• Books

    Best Foraging Books for Kids: Foraging books your kids will actually enjoy reading

    Finding foraging books that truly capture kids' attention can be a challenge. Many are either too complex or too dull for young readers. The books in this post are simple, engaging, and full of clear pictures and fun projects. These books won't just sit on a shelf – your kids will want to take them outside, flip through the pages, and start identifying plants straight away. Whether you have curious toddlers or independent teens, these books will help them (and you) learn to forage safely and confidently.

  • kids

    Foraging Kids Activities: Quick, Easy & Fun

    You already know that teaching kids to forage and wildcraft medicines builds important lifelong skills and strong family memories. But maybe you don't have the time right now to set up a 3-hour lip balm-making project. Here are some quick, easy and fun activities with practical instructions so you can get started immediately.

  • Plants

    Medicinal Uses of Burdock, Arctium lappa

    Burdock (Arctium lappa) is used in herbal medicine for its detoxifying properties, blood purification, skin health benefits, digestive support, liver health, anti-inflammatory properties, and for hormone balancing. The entire plant is medicinally valuable, including the root, seeds, and leaves. Its deep taproot absorbs vital minerals and compounds from the soil.

  • Books

    Book Review: Why The Bee Bible by Sally Coulthard Instantly Became My Favourite Bee Book

    The Bee Bible by Sally Coulthard review The Bee Bible: 50 Ways to Keep Bees Buzzing by Sally Coulthard completely won me over from the first random page I opened it to. As someone who loves nature, I picked it up out of curiosity. A beautiful book What initially struck me was how beautifully laid out the book is. Every page feels like a little gift. The section on planting wildflowers to support bees made me want to rush outside and start planning new flower beds. The illustrations are gorgeous. See the beautifully designed title pages here: For me, The…

  • Books

    Book Review: John Wright’s The Forager’s Calendar

    The Forager’s Calendar by John Wright review As a family herbalist passionate about wildcrafting and foraging, I often find myself dipping into my copy of The Forager’s Calendar by John Wright. This beautifully written guide is not just a popular, award-winning foraging book – it’s a year-round companion for anyone eager to connect with nature through seasonal wild foods. A month-by-month companion, year after year Mr Wright’s approach is incredibly practical, offering detailed descriptions of plants, mushrooms, and other edibles you can find month by month. What I particularly love is the way he balances descriptive accuracy with personal anecdotes,…

  • fungi

    Medicinal uses of Birch Polypore, Fomitopsis betulina

    Scientific name: Fomitopsis betulina, (formerly Piptoporus betulinus) Common name: Birch polypore Medicinal uses of birch polypore Birch polypore has several medicinal uses. It can be used as a natural bandage due to its antimicrobial properties, preventing wounds from becoming infected. The fungus contains compounds that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. To use birch polypore as a plaster, cut a long strip from the underside of the mushroom and apply it directly to the wound. If applying to a finger, wrap it around itself, its natural texture makes it self-adhesive. Otherwise, cover with a bandage or strip of cloth.…

  • fungi

    Medicinal uses of Orange peel fungus, Aleuria aurantia

    Scientific name: Aleuria aurantia Common name: Orange peel fungus Name in Welsh: Croen Oren Medicinal uses So far, I have not come across the use of orange peel fungus in folk and herbal medicine. Please do get in touch if you have! Potential applications in medical research: Aleuria aurantia contains Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL), which binds to fucose. Studies have been conducted with regard to cancer, allergies, and cell communication. Constituents:  Aleuria aurantia is known to contain: Further detailed chemical analysis of its full constituent profile is limited. Culinary uses Generally used sparingly to add colour to salads or as…