Get close to nature this autumn in the National Forest

Friday, 9 September 2011 9:37 AM

Visitors to woodlands around the UK will discover the trees laden with edible delights. In September and October, the number of different ripe species explodes with fungi, fruits and nuts, all ready for picking.

With changes in the weather, Mother Nature is certainly challenging the identification books as to when certain fruits and flowers should be out, so now more than ever, it pays to go out with an expert to ensure the best picks.

To help visitors to the UK’s woods get to grips with the differences and similarities between edible harmless species and their poisonous cousins, there are three bushcraft and survival schools in The National Forest.

These run day, weekend or week-long courses where, in addition to learning the fundamental principles of survival and wilderness bushcraft, groups learn how to identify and cook edible plants, recognise specific trees and discover uses for different plants and trees.

Penny Wilkinson, Tourism & Promotions Officer with the National Forest Company, said: “The National Forest is one of the few places in the country where you can come to the woodland and safely learn all about plants and their uses with experts who explain the effects that changes in the weather are having on the fruits of the Forest.”

For more information the 2011 visitor guides to the Forest are bursting with great ideas, www.nationalforest.org.

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