Guided Walks By Hejgro
Foraging Courses in Somerset
Learn to forage confidently in the Somerset countryside
Discover edible wild plants, herbs, berries and seasonal fungi on a guided foraging course with Hejgro.
Our relaxed, practical foraging walks take place in the countryside around Frome and near Bath, including locations such as Vallis Vale, Great Elm and Tellisford. You will learn how to recognise useful wild foods, distinguish edible plants from poisonous lookalikes and gather responsibly. Courses are suitable for complete beginners, families and anyone who would like to understand the wild food growing around them.
What Happens On A Hejgro Foraging Course?
A Hejgro foraging course combines a guided countryside walk with practical wild-food education. Because every season and location is different, no two walks are exactly the same.
During the walk, you may learn about:
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- Identifying edible wild plants, herbs, berries and mushrooms
- Recognising important poisonous lookalikes
- Which parts of a plant can be used and when to harvest them
- Sustainable and responsible foraging
- Ways to use wild ingredients in the kitchen, home and garden
- Seasonal recipes, preparation ideas and preserving techniques
- The flavours of selected Hejgro products and homemade foraged snacks
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Where it is appropriate and plentiful, there may also be an opportunity to gather a small amount of seasonal produce to take home. Public walks are kept to small groups, with a maximum of 12 adults, creating plenty of time to ask questions and examine the plants and fungi closely. See available course dates and book a place:​​​​​​
Who Are These Somerset Foraging Courses For?
You do not need any previous experience or specialist knowledge. Our guided courses are designed for:
- Adults trying foraging for the first time
- Families looking for an educational outdoor activity
- Gardeners and cooks interested in wild ingredients
- Nature lovers who want to understand the local landscape
- Visitors looking for an unusual experience in the South East
- Groups celebrating a birthday or special occasion
- Retreats, wedding parties and workplace social events
Children are welcome to attend family-friendly walks free of charge. Well-behaved dogs may also join, provided they remain under your supervision and do not disturb the group.
What Can You Forage In Somerset?
Somerset’s woodlands, riverbanks, hedgerows and meadows support a rich variety of edible plants. What you encounter will depend upon the course location, weather and time of year.
SPRING
Spring is often a good time to forage for young wild greens, shoots and leaves.
AUTUMN
Can offer fruits, seeds, berries and seasonal fungi.
SUMMER
is a good time to explore edible flowers and aromatic herbs.
WINTER
Provides opportunities to learn about roots and dormant plants.
There is something to learn throughout the year. Rather than promising a fixed list of plants, each Hejgro course follows what is naturally available on the day. Read more about the best times of year to go foraging:
Safe And Sustainable Foraging
Correct identification is an essential part of learning to forage. Some edible plants have toxic lookalikes, so you should never eat a wild plant unless you are completely certain of its identity.
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On your course, you will learn to observe distinguishing features and use more than one identification method. You will also learn how to forage with minimal impact by:
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• Harvesting only from plentiful populations
• Taking only what you will use
• Leaving enough for wildlife and plant regeneration
• Avoiding damage to surrounding habitats
• Understanding when permission is required
• Choosing suitable, uncontaminated gathering areas
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Our aim is to help you build knowledge, confidence and respect for the local environment—not simply fill a basket. Read more from our guide to sustainable foraging below:
What Previous Guests Say
“Pavla was such a knowledgeable, fun and friendly guide for us on our foraging walk. We left with our own foraged goodies and lots of tips and recipes on how to cook and prepare them. An inspiring and enriching afternoon out that I would thoroughly recommend.”
Heather Fox
Book a Foraging Course In Somerset
Join Hejgro for a friendly, practical introduction to wild food in the Somerset countryside. You will leave with a better understanding of the plants around you, useful ideas for preparing seasonal ingredients and the confidence to continue learning safely.
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*Places on public walks are limited to keep the experience personal.
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If the available dates do not suit you, contact Hejgro to discuss a tailored course.