September Hampstead Heath (London) Wild Food Foraging/ Foragers Walk.

A guided walk exploring London's Hampstead Heath, identifying forageable edible plants, trees & fungi. Small group. Affordable price. Convenient duration. Easily reachable. Led by wild food forager, organic vegetable grower and long-time guide Heath Bunting, this walk introduces participants to the practical skills and ecological knowledge needed to engage with wild food and landscapes in a sustainable, informed way. Bunting, based in Bristol and known for over two decades of guided sessions in places such as Avon Gorge and Hampstead Heath, combines hands-on identification of edible plants, trees and fungi with broader themes of self-reliance and environmental stewardship. The session explores bushcraft survival skill. It covers traditional medicinal uses of native plants such as nettle, elder, yarrow, dandelion and meadowsweet, while clearly distinguishing these folk applications from modern medical advice. Participants learn about wild soaps derived from saponin-rich species. Cultivation and sustainable picking techniques emphasise the “leave plenty” principle, modest harvesting from abundant populations, clean cuts that encourage regrowth, and avoidance of rare or protected species. Attention is given to indigenous human habitats and landscapes, the post-glacial history of sites like Hampstead Heath, and the ecological roles of native vegetation. Poisonous plants—including hemlock water-dropwort, deadly nightshade, foxglove and poison hemlock—are identified so that foragers can recognise and avoid them. Food processing and preservation methods such as drying, freezing, fermenting and safe handling of berries, greens and mushrooms are demonstrated. The walk also addresses climate-change adaptation through resilient local food systems, the principles of rewilding (restoring natural processes and trophic interactions), and practical techniques for seed collection, storage, autumn sowing and hardwood cuttings of suitable native trees and shrubs. Groups remain small, prioritising observation, ethical practice and connection with urban-adjacent wild spaces. Kids (15 or under) go free. Wear seasonal clothing (an all weather event). Moderate fitness required. Dogs welcome. Session I: 12:00 - 13:30 Meet at corner of South Hill Park and South End Road under the trees (Hampstead Heath Station NW3 2QD) Session II: 14:00 - 15:30 Meet at Hampstead War Memorial (Jack Straws Castle NW3 7ET). Contact 07935 986 421 if lost or delayed. Email [email protected] for group bookings.