Coastal Foraging Course
Short beach and coastal foraging course in North Wales
£45 - Dates available through 2024
The Coastal Foraging Course is one of our original courses. It is suitable for both beginners and enthusiasts, and is held on a sandy beach with rocky outcrops near the seaside town of Porthmadog 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 Dates
£45.00 per participant
Courses are timed to coincide with low tide at venue.
More information available on booking page – check for discounts and special offers!
By following the link below you will be taken to our booking page, where you can see the available dates and prices.
You can also purchase this course as a gift voucher for somebody else.
You can read more about gift vouchers here.
FAQs
Yes, this course will take place in most weather conditions, including rain. We will contact participants directly if there is any need to postpone or alter the course.
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
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.
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.
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.
The course start time varies with the tide and start times are listed next to each date when you book.
We ask that participants are ready to depart from the parking area at the advertised time, this will be repeated in the joining instructions sent to you by email.
There is no cooking involved on this course.
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.
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, rocks and often unprepared ground.
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.
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.
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 between you booking a place on the course and around 30 days before the course commences.
Gift Vouchers
The Coastal Foraging course can be purchased as a gift voucher, either for one of our advertised course dates or as an open voucher that is valid for 12 months.
You can choose from the dropdown menu on the booking page, or let us know that the booking will be as gift during the checkout process.
If you have any questions please get in touch.
Private Bookings
This course is 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.
Testimonials
Upcoming UK Foraging & Wild Food Events
