We've been gathering feedback from our workshop guests for a long time and some things stand out as items that many people "wish we had brought with us": outdoor footwear, more layers and insect repellant. This kist list has been created with that in mind.

Compulsory items:

  • Walking boots or similar
  • Weather-appropriate clothes, including a waterproof coat and extra layers (there is a lot more standing still than a normal walk in the countryside, so it always gets colder than you think! See below for advice aboutwhat to wear)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Bottle of water
  • Suncream and/or insect repellent
  • Warm hat or sun hat (depending on the season) and gloves
  • Proof of ticket purchase - electronic is perfect, so save your printer paper!

Optional items that may enhance your day:

  • A 'sit mat' or equivalent (especially for workshops with food being served)
  • A notebook and pencil
  • A snack to keep you going and we also recommend having a big breakfast beforehand

"Make sure you have warm clothes in the seasons that require it. You are not on a brisk continuous walk, so you do not keep the blood flowing. It can get chilly standing and talking. I did take warm clothes, as it actually did describe that in the pre-event notes, so I was warm enough." - Just one example of advice from a previous workshop guest

What to wear

You need to dress for the weather, assuming you will be standing still rather than doing anything remotely strenuous. This might seem obvious to most, but here is a little breakdown of what Jim (Forage Box Founder and Chief Forager) wears for different weather types when it isn't a warm and dry day, just to give you an idea! We use the official Met Office website to see what the forecast is: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Sunny and hot (above 20C):

  • T-shirt and shorts, sometimes with a collar to keep the sun off the neck
  • Suncream
  • Cap
  • 500ml of water per hour outside
  • Walking trainers

Raining hard/medium:

  • Waterproof walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Waterproof cap

Drizzle or misty:

  • Waterproof walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Outdoor activity trousers (water resistant)
  • Waterproof cap

Cool (10C or higher):

  • Torso base layer
  • Heavy-duty shirt or equivalent
  • Outdoor activity trousers (water resistant)
  • Waterproof walking boots
  • Regular walking socks
  • Lightweight jacket in bag
  • Heavy-duty cap

Chilly (5-10C):

  • Long-sleeved torso base layer
  • Heavy-duty shirt or equivalent
  • Thick fleece
  • Soft shell jacket and/or thicker waterproof jacket
  • Outdoor activity trousers (water resistant)
  • Waterproof walking boots
  • Regular walking socks
  • Thin base layer on legs
  • Warm hat
  • Fingerless/thin gloves

Cold (0-5C):

  • Long-sleeved torso base layer
  • Heavy-duty shirt or equivalent
  • Thick fleece
  • Padded jacket/gilet
  • Soft shell jacket and/or thicker waterproof jacket
  • Outdoor activity trousers (water resistant)
  • Waterproof walking boots
  • Extra thick or knee-length walking socks
  • Fleecy base layer on legs
  • Extra warm hat
  • Buff around neck
  • Thick gloves

Below Freezing: Keep an eye out for your workshop being postponed or cancelled!

In the politest possible terms, your warmth is your responsibility. Generally, people who get cold have forgotten about their legs or layering up - a pair of thin leggings and a full length coat won't keep you that warm.

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