Spring Foraging Walk – New Hall Valley Country Park (Sutton Coldfield)

A relaxed foraging walk in New Hall Valley Country Park. We’ll focus on learning a small number of wild plants through direct observation in the field, building confidence step by step using a sensory, attentive approach. No experience needed, from complete beginners to more experienced hobby foragers.

We’ll walk at a steady, unhurried pace, stopping often to look closely at what’s growing around us.

You’ll learn how to recognise key features, where plants tend to grow, and how to avoid common mistakes. We’ll typically cover around 15 edible plants, along with any confusing lookalikes.

This isn’t about ticking off species. The focus is on familiarity rather than memorisation. Seeing, smelling, and noticing plants in their natural setting, so recognition builds naturally over time.

Situated in New Hall Valley Country Park, a stretch of former farmland just north of Birmingham in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.

It offers a varied landscape that makes it easier to understand where and why plants grow where they do.

• Around 2 hours outdoors
• Small, relaxed group
• Beginner-friendly approach
• Learn and identify around 15 wild edible plants
• Understand seasonal growth and how to find plants again
• Sensory, field-based learning (no harvesting)
• Time to ask questions and take things in properly
• Follow-up email with a list of what we found on the day

• Location: New Hall Valley Country Park, Sutton Coldfield. See meeting point map here.
• What3Words: above.spent.star
• Parking: Ample, just off the main road. Please park responsibly.
• Public transport: Bus No. 77 & 115 (National Express), No. 110 (Arriva)
• Terrain: Mostly tarmac and gravel; occasional muddy patches after rain.

Please bring suitable footwear and dress for the weather.

• Walks take place outdoors, rain or shine
• Please arrive on time. I don’t tend to wait for latecomers! ;)
• If you can’t find the group, check the meeting point above rather than the postcode
• Signage can be limited, so keep an eye out for a man in a flat cap
• Dogs are not permitted on this walk
• Online booking is essential

If you’re curious about wild plants but not sure where to start, this is a good place.

Simple, practical, and grounded in real landscapes.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Flatcap Forager