Foraging Walk & Bushcraft Cookery Course, Northern Ireland

Harvest wild plants and cook what you forage in one morning

A 3.5-hour foraging walk and bushcraft cookery course in Northern Ireland teaches plant identification, ethical harvesting and how to prepare wild edibles into meals. The course covers responsible foraging practices, seasonal availability and culinary uses. Food and drink are included, and you receive a copy of Richard Mabey's "Food for Free" to keep. Minimum age is 18.

The experience

You meet at a car park and walk to a forest school site where the session begins with an introduction to plant identification. The morning splits between two parts: a guided forage walk where you learn to recognize commonly foraged plants, their seasonal timing and what makes them edible, followed by food preparation where you cook with what you've gathered. The course emphasizes leaving enough for wildlife and avoiding endangered species, so you're learning sustainable practice from the start, not just harvesting technique.

The food preparation happens on-site, and the foraged plants complement a meal that's included in the course fee. You'll taste out-of-season produce and see how the plants you've just identified transform into actual dishes. By the end you walk back to the car park with a working knowledge of what grows locally, how to identify it safely, and how to use it in cooking. The Richard Mabey book goes home with you as a reference for future foraging.

What’s included

• Guided foraging walk with plant identification instruction.
• food and drink during the session.
• preparation and tasting of foraged wild edibles.
• a free copy of Richard Mabey's "Food for Free" book.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 98 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Pets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by BallyBurren Outdoor Escapes

Is this one for you?The course starts at a car park in Northern Ireland, so you don't need your own transport to reach the forest school site: the walk from the car park is part of the morning. This suits anyone staying in the region without a car or those who prefer not to drive to a trailhead.

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Top questions

What plants will I learn to identify on the foraging walk?

The course covers commonly foraged plants found locally, with details on their characteristics, seasonal availability and how to use them in cooking. Specific species depend on the season and what's actively growing when you attend.

Is this course suitable if I have no foraging experience?

Yes, the course is designed for beginners and covers the essentials of plant identification, ethical practices and safe foraging from the start. No prior knowledge is needed.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The course runs as scheduled. You'll be walking in a forest setting, so bring weather-appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor conditions.

Do I need to bring anything, or is everything provided?

Food and drink are included in the course fee, along with instruction and use of the forest school site. Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes for the walk and foraging.

How does the course address sustainable foraging?

Ethical harvesting is central to the teaching. You'll learn to harvest judiciously, recognize endangered or rare species to avoid, and understand how responsible foraging supports wildlife and future harvesters.