Overview
- Waitrose reports sharp autumn interest in wild ingredients, with mushroom recipe searches up 225% and blackberry preserve queries up 57%, while Google says searches for “foraging” are up by about a third year on year.
- The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust reminded visitors that foraging is banned on its reserves after reports of stripped patches, and the Woodland Trust reiterated its sustainable foraging guidance.
- The National Trust’s code advises taking only small amounts for personal use and leaving at least 95% of any plant untouched to protect habitats and wildlife food sources.
- Experts warn of health risks from misidentified mushrooms, noting recent hospitalisations, and research highlights contamination risks in plants growing near busy roads due to heavy metals.
- Foraging guides and the Association of Foragers encourage learning on guided walks and following best‑practice codes, with practitioners saying education helps people forage legally, safely and sustainably.