There’s a certain kind of magic that can be found in the early hours of the morning – before the city has fully woken up, the dog walkers throw the first ball, or the school run traffic begins its daily rhythm. That’s when I’ll set off into the dim light, spaniel in tow, with a folded shopping bag in my pocket.  

We slip past the hospital, already abuzz with arriving staff. Over the old stone bridge, which knocks the breath out of me on every run. With each step I take, the noise of the city fades and is replaced by the flap of a woodpigeon’s wings. The sight of a hare in the sheep field across the canal or even a flash of a roe deer’s white rump down the farm track. But I’m not here for wildlife watching today, I’m here for the blackberries.  

Hedgerows are not just a forager’s playground. They’re nature’s pantry.  

Badgers, fieldfares, dormice, foxes…brambles feed them all. Hedgerows are lifelines through colder months. Whilst I’m dreaming of a boujee toastie, these animals are thinking of survival. So, with that thought, I haul my bag over my shoulder and set off home. I could pick more, but I don’t need to. I could always swap a blackberry pie for a rhubarb crumble.  

Foraging is a wonderful pastime; anyone, anywhere, can do it, even in the middle of a bustling city! But some rules must be adhered to live in harmony with our natural world. Whether it’s blackberries, elderflower berries, mushrooms or any other natural treasure – forage with nature in mind. Here are the rules I follow to forage effectively, safely and in a way that’s wildlife-friendly.  

If you’re not sure, move on

Don’t ever risk picking something (fruit, plant, fungi or otherwise) if you’re not 100% sure it is safe to eat. If you want to get more confident in recognising species, explore your local Wildlife Trust’s events and see if they have a guided tour available. 

Pick sparingly

Always have an idea of how much you need to collect from one species. That way you’ll reduce wastage and leave enough for other foragers and wildlife. 

Never forage from just one patch

This helps minimise your impact and helps protect the plant for years to come. 

Always make sure to forage in public spaces

Make sure you don’t accidentally forage on private land and remember to check on the website of a nature reserve, country park or similar to confirm if you’re able to forage before you visit. 

Never forage for anything lower than your knee

It’s a good place for a dog or animal to relieve themselves. Plus, some wildlife depend on the lower branch’s fruit, so always try to pick the highest berries if possible. 

Try not to forage next to a road or farmland

Fruit grown here can be tainted with chemicals used to treat the land or with fumes from transport.  

In my opinion, foraging is one of the most wholesome things you can do. It’s a simple and effective way to boost our physical and mental wellbeing, helping you reconnect with nature in a hands-on way.  

It's also an excellent way to teach children about nutrition, the seasons and the wildlife we share our spaces with. It doesn’t require a big expense. Honestly, I’ve seen my mum resort to using an unused dog poo bag in a pinch – waste not, want not after all. 

For me, the magic of foraging stems from memories of picking winberries up in the forest with my family and returning home with blue-stained fingers. I hope you find a moment this August to create your own foraging memories.