Coastal Foraging Course
North Wales guided coastal foraging walk led by experienced instructors.
Course Details
The Coastal Foraging Course is one of our original courses, and we have been running it on the North Wales shoreline for over 10 years..
It is suitable for both beginners and enthusiasts, and is held on a sandy beach with rocky outcrops near the seaside town of Porthmadog near Eryri National Park in North Wales.
This course will cover not only the prominent and common edible and toxic species of seaweeds, molluscs and plants – it also covers the basics of identification, using ID resources and overviews of foraging law, ethics and ecology.
This course has evolved over time into what, we think, is the best and most relevant UK introductory coastal foraging course we can offer. We will look at between 15-20 edible species, a few of the notable toxic and potentially dangerous species – and how to identify and work with each of them.
Each course is led by an experienced instructor.
Wild Food People runs foraging courses and wild food walks throughout the spring, summer and autumn; our course dates are carefully selected to take advantage of the changing seasons and the variety of edible species that are available at different times of year.
Course Content
- Examples of common edible seaweeds and molluscs you can gather at different times of year, and where you are likely to find them
- Information about the edible and useful species of wild plant which we encounter on our walk
- Identification tips, recommendations for ID guides and foraging books
- A brief explanation about the laws regarding access and what you can and cannot pick/gather
- Recipe ideas
- Post-course notes sent out by email following the course
Course Venue
The Coastal Foraging Walk from Wild Food People takes place near the village of Borth y Gest, just outside Porthmadog on the North Wales coast – on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.
We will meet near a public car park where there are also public toilets and from there walk along the coastal path and down onto the beach.
Please note that the map below is only to show the general area – full joining instructions and meeting point will be sent out by email a few weeks before the course commences.
Experienced Instructors
Professional foragers and qualified leaders who are active in ecology and conservation – and passionate about wild food.
Connection to Landscape
We aim to bring our clients closer to the landscape around them through food, culture and engaging education.
Ecological Commitment
A portion of every course place purchased is reinvested back into the management of the natural habitats where we run our courses.
2026 Course Dates
Saturday 2nd May 2026 (1:30pm)
Saturday 2nd May 2026 (4:30pm)
Saturday 6th June 2026 (4:30pm)
Saturday 26th September 2026 (12:30pm) – Fully Booked
Saturday 26th September 2026 (3:30pm)
Saturday 10th October 2026 (12:30pm)
To book a place for this course, please select the relevant option in the secure booking link.
Secure Online Booking
Booking is available via the button below – it will take you to a secure booking portal run by TicketTailor.
Gift Vouchers
Places on the the Coastal Foraging course from Wild Food People can be purchased as a gift voucher, which will be valid for 12 months.
Gift Vouchers are available as a personalised e-voucher or as a printed voucher posted to you or the recipient.
If you have any questions please get in touch.
FAQs
What do I need to bring?
There is no special foraging equipment necessary for this entry-level foraging walk, however we ask that you are prepared for the weather of the day and walking for 2 hours along a beach and exploring rocky outcrops and pools.
Check the forecast before coming out and dress appropriately.
We recommend that you bring with you:
- Wellies or trainers/walking boots which you don’t mind getting wet or sandy
- Suitable warm and/or waterproof layers for the weather forecast that day
- Bottle of water and maybe a snack
- Notepad and pen/pencil
How fit do I need to be?
The course lasts 2 hours and we cover a distance of about 1 mile with standing stops to talk about the species we come across and different aspects of foraging. The terrain varies from rough footpath through the coastal woodland to beach with the option of scrambling over some rocks.
Will we be foraging for things to take home with us?
During the course we will talk about 15-20 different species and you will learn how to take your foraging to the next level through the use of appropriate guidebooks and sources of information, however we won’t be collecting any species in quantity to take away from the site during the course itself.
You can of course visit nearby and put your foraging skills into action straight after the course.
Can I bring a dog?
Yes – but it will have to be on a lead at all times and be well behaved, with both humans and other dogs around.
Please let us know if you are bringing one! You are responsible for your own dog at all times.
What time does this course begin?
The course start times are planned to coincide with the tide and start times are listed next to each date when you book - they will also be in the joining instructions that are emailed out to you.
We ask that participants are ready to depart from the meeting point at the advertised time to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the course.
Will there be any cooking involved?
There is no cooking involved on this course.
Do I need to bring any food and drink?
The course lasts for 2 hours and we will be away from the cars for this time, we recommend that you bring a bottle of water with you for the duration, and any snacks that you may require.
Are there any toilets on site?
Yes, there are public toilets available in the car park where the course begins, however we will be away from these facilities for the duration of the two hour walk.
Is this course suitable for me?
If you have any concerns or questions then please contact us and we can discuss this with you. By booking a place on this course (for yourself or others) you/they are agreeing to our terms and conditions and that you/they are physically capable of safely attending this course which takes place on tracks, slopes and often unprepared ground.
Private and Bespoke
This course is also available for private and group bookings, as well as corporate days and events.
We can host the course at one of several venues in North East Wales, or travel to a suitable venue of your choice.
Please contact us for more information.
We work with nature.
We deliver expert foraging and wild food training as part of our wider work managing habitats in North Wales.
Every single one of our courses and events feeds back into improving those habitats, helping to provide healthy ecosystems for our local wildlife and communities.