Foraging & Fungi Foray

From the hedgerow to the kitchen of Undercastle Cottage. Uncover the wild ingredients, edible mushrooms and crazy looking fungi of the New Forest with an experienced forager.

Led by an experienced forager, these walks take place in carefully chosen locations in and around Undercastle Cottage and the New Forest, and can be enjoyed as either a morning or afternoon experience. These delicious days are designed for one to six guests, welcoming children and dogs along the way. From delicate elderflower blossoms to vibrant hedgerows heavy with their harvest, you’ll be introduced to wild flavours that range from savoury, earthy and unexpected to dense, sweet and tart. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter wild garlic carpeting the woodland floor, peppery sorrel pushing through the leaf litter, edible flowers and blossoms such as violets and red clover, along with seasonal greens, nuts, and wild herbs, including thyme, mint, and fennel. Add to that plump sloes destined for gin, damsons, juicy berries and a wealth of hedgerow finds. Mushrooms and fungi play a starring role in this region from April through to December, with species such as oyster mushrooms, ceps, chanterelles (girolles), parasol mushrooms and beefsteak fungus, as well as the frilly hedgehog and cauliflower fungi. Throughout your walk, there is a strong emphasis on responsible, sustainable foraging. It’s important to leave plenty behind for our wildlife, pollinators and future growth, ensuring nature’s delicate balance remains undisturbed. The reward is a thoughtfully gathered selection of seasonal ingredients to take back to the kitchen at Undercastle Cottage! It’s here, with a little imagination, the day naturally continues around the dining table, sampling the wild and wonderful flavours you’ve discovered.