Foragingandcooking

February Foraging and Winter Recipes

Even in February, the UK holds wild treasures. From garlic mustard and sorrel to dandelion crisps, gorse, and wood ear mushrooms, winter foraging adds flavour, nutrition, and fun to your kitchen. Preserve your finds with freezing, sugaring, or infusions to enjoy nature’s bounty all month long.

January Winter Foraging and Preserving for Allotment Communities

January may feel quiet on the allotment, but it’s full of hidden winter bounty. From hazel nuts and burdock roots to pine needles and crab apples, there’s plenty to forage and preserve. Discover simple ways to turn these seasonal finds into jams, syrups, oils, and tinctures while sharing tips and swaps with fellow plot holders.

December Foraging

Even in the heart of winter, the woods and hedgerows are full of surprises. Hunt for hardy mushrooms, bright rosehips, hawthorn berries, and the last chestnuts of the season, or gather pinecones, holly, and twigs to craft festive, woodland-inspired decorations. Wrap up warm, embrace the crisp air, and let December’s wild bounty bring flavour, colour, and a touch of magic to your home.

November Foraging

November is prime time for foraging nuts and mushrooms. Look for hazelnuts, sweet chestnuts, and walnuts, all rich in nutrients and perfect for roasting, baking, or snacking. Mushrooms such as chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, puffballs, and field mushrooms thrive in the damp, cool conditions, but always ensure correct identification before eating. Harvest responsibly, taking only what you need, and leave plenty for wildlife.

Your October Foraging Guide

October hedgerows and woodlands are full of autumn bounty. Gather chestnuts, bullace, crab apples, sloes, rosehips, hazelnuts, and walnuts for roasting, preserves, and warming drinks.

September Foraging

As autumn arrives, September brings a shift from sweet summer berries to nuts, seeds, and richly flavoured fruits. Foraging isn’t just about gathering—it’s about transforming these seasonal finds into comforting, nourishing dishes.

August Foraging

Berries, nuts, and herbs are bursting ripe this August! From juicy blackberries to fragrant yarrow, now’s the time to gather, snack, and savor nature’s late-summer treats.

From Garden to Grill a Homegrown Summer Feast

Celebrate the height of the growing season with a fresh and flavour-packed allotment BBQ. From tender broad beans to vibrant courgettes and fragrant herbs, this seasonal feast turns your summer harvest into ten simple, delicious recipes to share with family and friends.

July Foraging Guide

July is when the British countryside hits its stride — fields are full, hedgerows ripen, and wild herbs flower freely. While early blooms like meadowsweet linger, fruits like elderberries and wild plums begin to appear, hinting at the harvest ahead.

June Foraging

June brings a burst of wild flavours and florals, from honeysuckle and wild rose to white mustard and wood sorrel. It’s the perfect time to explore nature’s kitchen, gather responsibly, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of foraging in full bloom.

Foraging in May – Discover Edible Wild Plants and Their Benefits

May brings nature’s vibrant burst of life, offering a rich bounty of wild, edible plants. From the delicate hawthorn flowers to the flavourful red clover, this month provides a diverse range of flavours and textures perfect for foraging. Here's your guide to some of the best wild plants to seek out in May, along with their health benefits:

April Foraging

April is a great time for foraging, with wild plants like cow parsley, garlic mustard, and wild garlic offering fresh, nutritious flavours. These plants are packed with vitamins and minerals, perfect for soups, butters, and more.

March Foraging

As spring arrives, wild plants and mushrooms begin to thrive, offering a wealth of foraging opportunities. Here’s a guide to popular foraged plants and mushrooms, with ideas for their culinary and medicinal uses.

12 Reasons Home-Grown Food is the Better Option

Home-grown food means complete control over quality, freshness, and sustainability. Discover why growing your own is the best choice for your health, wallet, and the planet.

Waste Not Want Not with These Tasty Christmas Leftover Ideas

Christmas leaves plenty of leftovers, from turkey to peelings. With a bit of creativity, you can turn them into delicious treats. Here are some ideas to make the most of your festive scraps

National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Ltd
Registered in 1930 under the Industrial & Provident Societies Acts no. 11144R
VAT No. 1212930 14
Patron His Majesty King Charles III