The coast is one of Britain's richest wild larders, but coastal foraging requires a different set of skills from foraging inland.
This SPECIAL workshop focuses particularly on cockles while introducing you to the wider world of edible coastal plants, seaweeds and shellfish. You'll learn how to read the shoreline, understand the relationship between tides and foraging opportunities, identify what you find and harvest responsibly.
Where conditions and the day's finds allow, we'll also explore how to prepare and cook some of the food we've gathered.
Coastal foraging is dictated by the landscape, the tides and the season, so no two sessions are quite the same.
We'll spend time exploring the shore, looking at the habitats that support different edible species and learning how to harvest without damaging the environment. Cockles will be a particular focus, but the exact range of species encountered will depend on the location, tide and conditions on the day.
The session is practical and hands-on, with plenty of identification, discussion and tasting. Forage Box's existing coastal programme similarly combines shore-based foraging with expert-guided picking and, where circumstances allow, cooking of the discoveries.
Ideal for anyone who is curious about coastal foraging, seafood, seaweed or the natural world.
Complete beginners are welcome. If you've already done some inland foraging, this is an opportunity to develop a completely different set of skills.
Tides are critical to coastal foraging. The exact start time and format of a session may therefore be determined by the local tide.
Expect uneven, wet and potentially muddy terrain. Robust, closed-toe footwear with good grip is essential; wellies or suitable waders may be appropriate depending on the location.
Coastal conditions can change quickly, so weather-appropriate clothing is essential.
Please tell us about any dietary requirements when booking. Shellfish may not be included on every session because of seasonality and dietary considerations.
Check your joining instructions carefully, particularly the meeting point and start time, as these may be determined by the tide.
Come prepared to get wet and muddy and to spend time on uneven coastal terrain. No previous foraging experience or specialist knowledge is required.
