Hedgerow harvest: A foraging and nature connection walk

Celebrate the autumn hedgerow on a guided foraging walk, seasonal wild tasters, folklore and take home harvest inspiration.
About this Event

Celebrate the richness of early autumn with a relaxed and welcoming guided foraging walk through the beautiful Swift Valley Nature Reserve.

Join me, Leanne, founder of Wild Routes, as we explore the abundance hidden within our native hedgerows. Together we’ll discover the berries, fruits, seeds and stories of the season, learning how to identify them safely while uncovering their traditional uses, folklore and the important role they play in supporting wildlife.

This walk celebrates the harvest season and the age-old tradition of making the most of nature’s bounty. As we wander, you’ll have the opportunity to gather a small selection of seasonal hedgerow fruits to take home (where plentiful and appropriate), so please bring a small container if you’d like to collect some. All gathering will follow the principles of sustainable foraging, safe practice and respect for the law.

Along the way we’ll pause to enjoy seasonal wild tasters, herbal tea and a tasting of traditional homemade hedgerow jelly. You’ll also receive a simple recipe to help you create your own hedgerow jelly at home using the fruits you’ve gathered.

Event Details

Date: Friday 5th September

Time: 11:00am–1:30pm (approximately 2½ hours)

Location: Swift Valley Nature Reserve

Meeting point: Meet in the main car park (free parking available)

Group size: Maximum of 10 participants

What to Expect

This is a gentle, relaxed walk with plenty of stops for learning, observing and discussion. We won’t be covering long distances, but the route includes uneven natural paths and grassy terrain, so please wear suitable footwear and clothing for the weather.

Please note there are no toilet facilities at the reserve.

Please Bring

• A small container if you’d like to gather a seasonal selection of hedgerow fruits
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Sturdy footwear
• A drink
• Curiosity and a sense of adventure!

Families are very welcome. Children remain the responsibility of their accompanying adult throughout the walk to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

If you have any allergies, dietary requirements or additional needs, please get in touch before the event so I can do my best to accommodate you.

All Wild Routes sessions are underpinned by the principles of sustainability, safe foraging practice and respect for the law. Wild food tasting is entirely optional, and learning safe identification is at the heart of every session.

This is an all-weather event and will go ahead in most conditions. In the event of severe weather where safety may be compromised, participants will be contacted with alternative arrangements.

Whether you’re completely new to foraging or looking to deepen your knowledge, you’ll leave inspired to see the hedgerows with fresh eyes and discover just how much they have to offer.

I look forward to sharing the harvest season with you.