Bush kitchen on wild food course.
Trout being cooked over open fire
wood-fired pizzas in earth oven
baskets of wild food
trout on a hot rock
wild spring greens
planked plaice
lobster on grill
langoustines

Spring Forager Wild Food Course – Weekend Foraging Adventure in the Lake District

£345.00

1-3 May 2026
The Lakes
Easy
Foraging & Wild Foods
6-14 Places

Join us for an unforgettable wild food foraging weekend on the Spring Forager course.

 

On the Spring Forager learn to confidently distinguish deadly poisonous plants from delectably delicious edible wild foods, rare species from abundant ones, and master outdoor cooking like a pro using foraged ingredients. Plus, regularly incorporating wild foods into your diet can boost health and well-being through their exceptional nutrient density.

 

Sustainably harvesting and foraging your own wild food salad from the hedgerow or preparing a nutrient-dense nettle soup delivers profound rewards: the independence of gathering free, organic food; absorbing potent, nutrient-rich wild nutrition; gentle exercise in nature; and garnering ethnobotanical knowledge to cultivate a deep connection to the outdoors.

 

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Description

Join us for an unforgettable wild food foraging weekend on the Spring Forager course.

On the Spring Forager learn to confidently distinguish deadly poisonous plants from delectably delicious edible wild foods, rare species from abundant ones, and master outdoor cooking like a pro using foraged ingredients. Plus, regularly incorporating wild foods into your diet can boost health and well-being through their exceptional nutrient density.

Sustainably harvesting and foraging your own wild food salad from the hedgerow or preparing a nutrient-dense nettle soup delivers profound rewards: the independence of gathering free, organic food; absorbing potent, nutrient-rich wild nutrition; gentle exercise in nature; and garnering ethnobotanical knowledge to cultivate a deep connection to the outdoors.

This foraging weekend focuses on seasonal leafy greens, organic seaweeds, sustainably sourced fish and shellfish, and ancestral nourishment staples. You’ll gain hands-on skills in safe identification, ethical harvesting, and preparation of hedgerow ingredients, plus the medicinal benefits of herbal infusions, traditional plant folklore, and cooking techniques like flame-cooked meals or freshly baked bread in an improvised oven.

What You’ll Learn on the Spring Forager Wild Food Foraging Course:

  • Safe identification of plant and tree species
  • Nutritional values of wild plants and seaweeds
  • Foraging crustaceans, shellfish, and seaweeds
  • Preparing freshwater fish, sea fish and flat fish
  • Expedition cookery and expedient outdoor skills
  • Identification of toxic plants, dangerous compounds, and lookalikes
  • Traditional folklore of plants and trees
  • Seasonal hedgerow edibles and spring greens
  • Creating delicious hedgerow salads and soups
  • Brewing wild beverages and herbal infusions
  • Using improvised ovens for baking

Why Choose This Foraging Course?

Ben has been teaching wild food and wilderness cookery courses since the late nineties. He first introduced the concept of seasonal foraging courses in 2002 as the ‘Spring Greens’ (now Spring Forager) and ‘Autumn Harvest’ in homage to the chapter titles from one of his favourite books, A cook on the wild side.

This wild food cookery course emphasizes thriving outdoors, building community in a supportive, fun learning environment, and acquiring lifelong skills. After the weekend, we’ll email you curated wild food menus and a list of the best foraging books to continue your journey.

Don’t forget to check out the Spring Forager’s companion course, the Autumn Harvest.

Course Details:

  • Dates: 1-3 May 2026 (Friday PM – Sunday PM, 2 nights)
  • Location: Oak Howe, Lake District, England
  • Food & Accommodation: Fully catered wild-inspired meals + camping fees included
  • Activity Focus: Seasonal foraging, wild foods, and outdoor cookery
  • Group Size: 6-14 participants (average 10)
  • Physical Rating: Easy – suitable for most fitness levels

Highlights

  • Safe identification of plant & tree species
  • The nutritional values of plants
  • Crustaceans, shellfish & seaweeds
  • Preparing fresh water, sea fish & flat fish
  • Expedition cookery and expedient skills
  • Identification of toxic plants and dangerous compounds
  • Traditional folklore of plants and trees
  • Seasonal hedgerow edibles
  • Hedgerow salads & soups
  • Wild beverages
  • Improvised ovens

Inclusions

  • This course is fully catered throughout – we do our best to source food that is wild, local, organic, seasonal and nutritious.
  • This negates the need to buy food and bring stoves, fuel and cooking gear – maximising your learning time.
  • The free loan of specialist bushcraft camping equipment – laplander saws, fire-steels, billy cans, etc.
  • Camping fees are included for two nights. This is a two day-long course with a start time of 19:30 on the Friday evening. This is to give folks time to get to us afterwork and to avoids you having to pay for a B&B, so that we can start teaching straight away on Saturday morning. The course concludes at about 16:00 on the Sunday afternoon.
  • We offer a complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from and to the nearest railway station at set times.

General Information

We will aim to cover the following –

Please click on the + symbols opposite to read about what you will learn each day.

DAY 0- Arrival

  • Arrivals
  • Food
  • Health & Safety
  • Introductions

Evening rendezvous will be at 19.30, to set up tents, have supper, run through camp logistics, a round of informal intros, the course introduction, then campfire chatter until bedtime.

DAY 1- Foraging & Cooking

  • 09.00 – 13.00 We go ‘shopping’ as we spend the morning foraging for wild greens
  • 13.00 – 14.00 Lunch break
  • 14.00 – 20.00 Afternoon wilderness cookery techniques from preparing fish to making deserts
  • 20.00 > Sampling wild liqueurs and enjoying campfire chatter.

 

A very full day of wild food instruction and campfire cookery techniques and lots and lots of eating!

DAY 2- Baking & Trout

  • 09.00 – 13.00 You will spend the morning baking bannocks and eating crispy bacon, washed down by steaming mugs of ‘cowboy coffee’
  • 13.00 – 14.00 Digestion and lesson on edible seaweeds
  • 14.00 -16.00 Freshwater fish and the different ways to cook them. Panna-Cotta desert!
  • 16.00> Debrief and End Ex.

Another jam packed day of skills and techniques. We aim to finish promptly at 4pm with very full bellies!

Accommodation – On this course you will be wild camping, either in your own tent, under a tarp, in a hammock or in a natural shelter you have built.

Travel & Transport – A detailed set of arrival instruction will be emailed about a month before your course start date. A complimentary pick-up and drop-off service is provided at the beginning and end of the course at a specified time for those arriving by train. This will either be from Windermere or Oxenholme station, depending on the specified course location.

*Very Important – Do not book any trains, transport or other accommodation until given the go-ahead by Wild Human, as the course needs a minimum number of participants in order to run.

Meals & Drinks – This course is fully catered and all meals will be provided whilst camping in the woods, from a light supper on the first night to lunch on the final day. (1 x Supper, 1 x Evening meal, 2 x Cold Lunches and 2 x Breakfasts). Mains water is provided in clean jerry cans and are always available. At our Oak Howe site, disinfected water is pumped directly from the river.

Duration – 2-day workshop (arrive 19.30 on Friday and depart 16.00 on Sunday)

Minimum Age – 16, but must be accompanied by an adult.

Insurance – Whilst not essential, it is recommended that you have simple adventure travel insurance to cover yourself and your possessions whilst on this trip. No outdoor activity is entirely without risk, as you may be using sharp tools or walking across uneven terrain – accidents can happen.

Wild Human has very comprehensive public liability cover.

Difficulty Rating / Health Requirements- This course is rated as ‘Easy’ due to the basecamp / short hike elements of the experience. Our bushcraft courses should be viewed as being a wilderness education experience and not as an ordinary holiday. They are educational courses, but just as importantly, they are a ‘hands on’ experience and at times can be quite challenging. If you have any concerns about your personal fitness or physical capabilities, then please contact us.

Max / Min Numbers – This course requires a minimum number of 6 to go ahead. The maximum number is 14. We will inform you 8 weeks before the start date whether the course will be going ahead to allow time for you to book any transport. The balance of payment is due 8 weeks prior to the start date. If you book less than 8 weeks before the start date please pay in full.

Covid-19 Regulations – We will make a decision 8 weeks before the start date as to whether the expedition is able to go ahead due to current Covid-19 regulations. if the course cannot go ahead at this point, we will refund monies paid in full.

Special Requirements – If you have any special requirements, please contact us prior to booking and we will do our best to accommodate them. Pescatarian / Vegetarians are well catered for, but can Vegans and those with serious food intolerances (like celiac disease) please contact us to discuss your requirements, as you may be asked to bring some specialist food to supplement your diet.

Complaints – We are able to consider complaints within 6 months from the date of the conduct complained about.

Course variables – The outline itinerary needs to remain flexible to take into account inclement weather conditions and other unexpected events.

Clothing:

Sensible outdoor clothing is essential for all of our courses.

We recommend that you bring:

  • A hat
  • A waterproof and windproof Jacket
  • Wool jumper or fleece top
  • Several long and short-sleeved T-shirts.
  • Cargo/combat trousers are ideal; as they are strong, light and fast drying (do not bring denim jeans).
  • Sturdy hiking boots are a must, as some of the terrain is steep and rocky.
  • We also recommend that you bring a pair of old trainers for the evenings
  • And spare changes of clothes stored in a plastic bag to keep them dry.

Equipment checklist:

  • Small day-sack
  • Sleeping bag, preferably 3 season
  • Self-inflating or closed-cell foam sleeping mat
  • Tent, or fly-sheet & bivy-bag
  • Torch and spare batteries
  • Small first aid kit, including plasters, blister kit, tweezers, foot powder and any personal medication
  • Sun block and lip balm
  • Good insect repellent
  • Wash kit and towel, preferably containing biodegradable soap Knife, fork and spoon
  • Mug, bowl & plate
  • Water bottle
  • Notebook and pencils
  • Ziploc bags

For weeklong courses you will also require:

  • 10 meters of parachute cord Swimming costume and large towel

Optional extras:

  • Camera
  • Binoculars

Spending money: 

It is not unusual for students to get together for a well-earned pint at the end of a course.

Tampons:

It is not uncommon for a sudden change of environment to start an unexpected period.

Please note:

You do not need to bring your own knives or any other cutting tools, as you will be loaned a folding saw and knife when required. Students on the Woodlander course will be given a sheath knife to keep.

Prior Experience – You do not need prior experience to attend any of our courses. On some of the more advanced craft workshops, it is advantageous to have experience with safely using sharp tools.

Solo / Group Bookings – Our courses are aimed at individuals who have a passion for the outdoors, a desire to learn and reconnect with nature. Although some people attend in pairs or small groups, the vast majority of our groups are made up of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Course Locations – We run courses from three private estates within the Lake District National Park. These are a young woodland in the Lyth Valley, a secluded valley in Witherslack woodlands and deep in the forest on Claife Heights. Please ensure that you have received and printed the correct arrival information!

Parking – Courses are conducted on private estates, with limited access to the general public. There are parking facilities provided within the estate grounds, and whilst we cannot guarantee the safety of your vehicle, there have never been any incidents of theft. We would recommend that you keep any valuable personal belongings in your day sack. 

Climate & Weather – The Lake District weather is notoriously fickle, so please ensure that you have brought all of the equipment listed in the Kit List. It is always better to pack warm. It is better to have and not need, than to need and not have. Courses will run in all but the most extreme weather conditions. Bad weather makes learning the skills more challenging and harder to master, but you will be rewarded with a higher level of ability and a greater sense of achievement. The unpredictable weather in Britain makes it one of the best training grounds in which to learn bushcraft. 

On Arrival – Please already be wearing outdoor clothing and footwear on arrival, and have a head-torch handy. From your cars, you will walk and your kit will be driven to our base-camp location, therefore it is not essential that you pack all your equipment into one rucksack, you will not be required to walk more than 200m with kit to the camping area.

 Late Arrivals – Late arrivals will have to make their own way to the course venue. Wild Human will not be responsible for any costs incurred by late arrivals or late returns that are outside of our control.

 Course 1st Aid & Medical Care – All Instructors carry valid outdoor first aid certificates. There is always a well-stocked and comprehensive first aid kit on hand. Risk analysis and management systems are in place for each course and course venue. The nearest A&E department for all locations is in Kendal.

Sanitation & Hygiene – Toilets are simple earth screened, covered latrines. Toilet paper is incinerated at the latrine. We have used this system for the past 20 years of our teaching experience and find it to be the cleanest, most environmentally friendly and hygienic system. Hand washing stations are always available, as are hand sanitation dispensers. Personal washing is in a stream or nearby lake, only biodegradable products are to be used. The biggest risk to your welfare on any outdoor UK activity is from ticks, but through good bite avoidance measures they should not present any problems – you will be well briefed at the start of each course.

Course Cancellation – If, for any reason you wish to cancel your course, please refer to our Terms & Conditions. You will not be offered a refund for any money for late cancellation, neither will you be offered a transferral of your money to another course. Please seek appropriate insurance against late cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances!

Pre & Après Course Accommodation – If you are interested in spending some time enjoying the stunning scenery of the Lake District, either before or after your course, you can contact Windermere Tourist Information via their website.

Personal Communications – All of our sites have reasonable 4G coverage. Please be discreet when using your phone so that it does not impinge on anyone else’s experience. We would encourage you to switch it off, and bring a notebook and camera to record your experience. 

Power & Charging – There are no mains charging facilities available. Please bring a power bank. If you ask really nicely, you may be able to charge from the Wild Human vehicle, but you may need to supply your own cable. 

Pets – Unfortunately pets are not allowed on any of our courses.

 

5 reviews for Spring Forager Wild Food Course – Weekend Foraging Adventure in the Lake District

  1. welshwoodsman –

    Just returned from the spring forager weekend with Wild Human. What a great experience. Not my first course with them ( now up to 7 courses). Every time I’m impressed with the quality of instruction and organisation. Thoroughly professional from start to finish. Definitely one of the best bushcraft providers in the uk. Many thanks to Joe and Ross and of course “the great Mcnutt”. Hopefully I’ll be back soon for another course.

  2. andrew.buckenham (verified owner) –

    Once you’ve stuffed yourself with brown crab and tempura nettle tops there’s just enough room for a slurp or two of last seasons gin(s). I’ll never look at a springtime hedgerow in the same way again.

  3. jocmason (verified owner) –

    This was the first WildHuman Bushcraft course I have been on, and I went with my 22 year old daughter, also her first. It was a wonderful experience! Debs and Ben are immensely knowledgeable and wonderfully generous in sharing that knowledge. Learning about the wealth of plants and creatures that are edible or in other ways useful and whose lore that country folk have known for generations but we are losing, was absolutely fascinating. Indeed, I will never look at a hedgerow in the same way again, as a previous reviewer aptly noted. The food was delicious and we learnt some very useful techniques. I think my favourite was Easter Ledge Pudding, made largely from leaves foraged that morning! Delicious! The course was very well organized all round, and it’s also a very practical set-up for camping, (with very nice new field latrine facilities) and some splendid views. My daughter and I had a wonderful time together. Both she and I are determined to go on another course again soon.

  4. rosephilippa (verified owner) –

    Absolutely superb experience all round – the location is based around a beautiful woodland site which immediately connected me back to nature and my inner wild human! Debs and Ben share their passion and expertise in wilderness foods, opening up a whole new edible, healing and medicinal plant world – from hedgerow snacking to full on feasting. I also really enjoyed learning alongside others, having a laugh and sharing our newly found skills to create tasty super tasty meals together. Inspirational, rewarding and nourishment for the soul – thank you :o)

  5. simon (verified owner) –

    If you refuse to eat anything other than processed chicken nuggets, Monster Munch, Pot Noodles etc and your ideal day out is at the Trafford Centre this is probably not the course for you.

    If you want to spend a weekend in beautiful surroundings, learning about wild plants and how to prepare and cook seafood, bannocks, soup and desserts over a fire then it’s amazing. You won’t be fed survivalist gruel or expected to have prior knowledge and will be expertly guided through how to be very well fed.

    This was my sixth course and my son’s first and we both loved it. Other attendees were two couples and individuals, some of whom were regular course attendees with lots of experience and some who had none at all.

    Ben and Debs are extremely knowledgeable, experienced and welcoming and in my experience their course’s always attract amazing people.

    At the risk of sounding cheesy their courses are life affirming and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

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