Why you should try sustainable foraging

The most exciting and inspiring lessons take place when you head outside to explore. It gives your class a chance to stretch their legs, apply their classroom learning to the real world, and encourages your students to engage with the environment.

Sustainable foraging is an easy but effective way to bring your science lessons to life. After all, the natural world is full of materials and resources to be carefully collected and examined by your students.

Even if you’ve never been foraging before, it’s not too late to start. Research shows that students feel more connected to nature when they have control over their exploration. So, why not give it a go? With our simple tips and reminders, you and your students are sure to have a fun and educational experience.

What is sustainable foraging?

Foraging is the process of collecting resources from the countryside. Sustainable foraging is doing the same, while making sure you do limited or no damage to the environment.

All you have to do is head out into the great outdoors, look around, and see what you can find. It’s as easy as that!

Why should your class try sustainable foraging?

Reminding your students to be mindful of their impact on the world around them will help build their nature-connectedness. When you’re foraging, discuss the properties of the materials that you’re looking for. Pay specific attention to the texture, colour, and properties of the materials. Having examples prepared beforehand adds a tactile dimension, and can make spotting easier for younger students, but it’s not essential.

Sustainable foraging is also a great way to reinforce teaching about habitats and food chains. Adapt the activity to focus on spotting animal populations, the changing seasons, or ecosystems depending on the environment you’re in and your class’s learning needs.

You don’t have to forage for food either. Pinecones, dry grass, birch bark, old man’s beard lichen, reed mace, and even dried leaves are all easy to spot and collect. You can use these materials for other activities like nature art or bushcraft.

What you’ll need

• A bag or backpack to place collected supplies. Make foraging a team activity by encouraging small students to share a bag.
• Standard first-aid equipment, like plasters, bandages, cleansing wipes, adhesive tape, and antibacterial hand gel.
• A foraging guide or app.

Safety tips for students (and adults!)

• Don’t consume anything unless you’re absolutely sure what it is.
• Any sign of an allergic reaction should be reported to a teacher or first aider at once.
• Don’t touch your face, particularly mouth or eyes, until your hands have been thoroughly washed.

Guidelines for sustainable foraging

Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re foraging to make sure that you’re using the environment responsibly:

• Minimise damage – only take what you’re going to use, stick to paths where possible, and collect resources with care and in moderation. While you’re getting started it’s best to pick things up from the floor and not from live species.
• Seek permission – make sure that you’re allowed to forage on the site, and that you’ve asked the landowner if it’s okay before you start collecting things.
• Collect from abundant populations – only collect resources when they’re plentiful.
• Don’t pick rare species - some species are protected by law, so make sure you know what you’re collecting by consulting a guide. If you’re not sure what species something is then it’s best to leave it undisturbed. Don’t forage from Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), nature reserves, or other protected areas. You can also check which plants are protected against picking on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
• Always follow the Countryside Code – it’ll help you remain respectful of the environment and those around you.