Foraging for wild plants (Ref. FOR 03)
Introduction
Course: 25th May 2012 & 23rd Aug 2012
This course has been created in partnership with the Moelyci Environmental Centre www.moelyci.org which is situated a few miles away from Bangor and the Menai Straits.
Previous generations in rural areas had an intimate knowledge of wild plants and animals, their habits and habitats, their harvesting and uses. This knowledge was passed on informally, unintentionally, from one generation to the next by the simple act of going out and foraging together. This remains the best way to learn many countryside skills, and the sharing of experience in the field forms the basis of this day. Foraging is a good way to develop your understanding of and engagement with the countryside. On this course we will focus exclusively on foraging for wild plants.
During the day you will learn about some of the edible and/or useful wild plants of the springtime, in the beautiful surroundings of the Moelyci area. The emphasis will be on common and ubiquitous species, on safe and reliable identification, and on responsible approaches to foraging as a sustainable and environmentally beneficial activity.
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Essentials
Bring with you:
Warm and waterproof clothing (just in case), boots or waterproof footwear and a packed lunch
Itinerary
This day will include:
A mixture of indoor teaching and outdoor practical experience. As with most courses at Moelyci, we prefer to work in small and friendly groups where individuals can contribute and benefit from each other’s experience as well as getting the maximum benefit from their tutor’s knowledge and experience. Another advantage of working in small groups is that allows us to make best use of the weather conditions on the day and to concentrate on areas of particular interest to the group.
As a guide the day will cover:
• foraging in practice – including short walks around Moelyci and the local area
• an introduction to plant identification - help in choosing and using id guides and other essential equipment, using keys to confirm plant identification
• materials and methods for foraging - practicalities and useful tips for finding, harvesting and keeping wild plant material
• how the seasons shape foraging activity – which plants are at their best in the spring
• exploring the issues around sustainable and responsible collecting of wild plant material – putting nature conservation first, sensitive species and locations, foraging and the law, cutting food miles, keeping records
About the course leader
The course tutor is John Harold, an experienced ecologist, conservationist and tutor with an encyclopedic knowledge of the flora and fauna of his local area developed over years of field natural history. John is the Conservation Officer at Moelyci Environmental Centre, a County Recorder for moths and was also the winner of the 2010/11 Nature Cymru ‘Inspired by Nature’ writing competition - see http://www.naturcymru.org.uk/2010-2011-competition-results.aspx
Availability
Dates
| From | To | Availability | Cost Per Person | Book This Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, May 25, 2012 | Friday, May 25, 2012 | 13 places | £45.00 | Book |
Contact
All of our activities, themed walks and courses can be booked online or call in to any of the Tourism centres below for further information.
Telephone bookings can be made using credit and debit cards through the Caernarfon office (01286) 672232
Winter opening times of the Centres
10 am – 15.30 pm Mon to Sat
Summer opening times
9.30 am – 16.30 pm Mon to Sun
Gwynedd Council's Tourist Information Centres:
| Barmouth Station Road Barmouth LL42 1LU T: (01341) 280787 F: (01341) 280787 |
Porthmadog High Street Porthmadog LL49 9LP T: (01766) 512981 F: (01766) 515312 |
Caernarfon Oriel Pendeithsh Castle St Caernarfon LL55 1SE T: (01286) 672232 F: (01286) 676476 |
