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, which means I learn something new while having a good old chuckle.
His decades of experience foraging, combined with his storytelling, really bring the plants to life for me.
Each time I return to an entry, I do so with a little more experience, allowing me to connect with the plants, trees, fungi and seaweed in new ways.
Read a sample of The Forager’s Calendar on Amazon:
Is The Forager’s Calendar good for beginners?
The Forager’s Calendar has been a constant companion on my journey from complete beginner to confident wildcrafter, and many other foragers and nature enthusiasts feel the same.
The layout is simple and clear, with each month dedicated to a new set of plants, including key identification tips, harvesting advice, and how to use them to create delicious meals and beverages.
Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced in your foraging journey, the information is accessible, but not overly simplified.
Over time, I’ve collected many, many books about foraging. But I keep coming back to The Forager’s Calendar. While field guides can be overwhelming, this book makes foraging feel achievable.
At the start of each month, it’s a great idea to sit down with a cup of tea and flip to the appropriate section for an overview of what is available in the month. It’s a lovely way to get inspired, and not lose focus by studying species that aren’t currently available.
One of my favourite aspects of The Forager’s Calendar is the way it encourages you to tune into the rhythms of nature.
Mr Wright doesn’t just list plants with ID features; he helps you understand the natural cycles that influence their growth and availability.
Not a stand-alone ID guide
Please note that this book is not a stand-alone ID guide. I always recommend cross-referencing species with at least three ID books or internet resources while you are learning them. The Forager’s Calendar has one or two high-quality photograph per species, so you will need to use other reputable books or websites alongside it.
Foraging responsibly
A valuable lesson that John Wright imparts throughout The Forager’s Calendar is the importance of foraging responsibly. He reminds readers (without ever lecturing) that wild plants and fungi are not just there for human enjoyment – they’re part of a much larger ecosystem.
His advice on sustainable picking, leaving plenty for wildlife and future growth, and avoiding any threatened species resonates deeply with me. In an age when foraging is becoming more popular, his guidance on respecting nature is more important than ever.
A pleasure to read
Foraging books can easily become dry and textbook-like, but John Wright’s wit makes each page a joy. His stories of mishaps, surprising discoveries, and eccentric characters he’s met along the way add warmth and authenticity.
There’s a genuine human touch in the way he admits mistakes or describes near misses. That honesty and humour make the learning stick.
The audiobook is narrated by John Wright
I also often listen to the audiobook version, narrated by John Wright himself.
I’m rather enamoured by the concept of audiobooks, having gotten into them relatively recently. I still find it incredible that the author can be speaking in my ear as I walk, almost as if he’s right there beside me, pointing out plants and fungi and sharing stories as we go. It transforms an ordinary ramble into a guided adventure with an expert companion.
A popular foraging guide
If you’re interested in wildcrafting, foraging, or just want to expand your knowledge of edible plants, I highly recommend The Forager’s Calendar.
It’s a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to learn how to forage responsibly and sustainably, guided by an expert in the field.
It’s also one of the most popular foraging books on Amazon, with thousands of positive reviews from happy readers.
John Wright, foraging expert
John Wright is a distinguished British naturalist and one of the country’s leading experts on foraging.
He has authored several popular books, including Mushrooms: River Cottage Handbook No.1, Hedgerow: River Cottage Handbook No.7, and Edible Seashore: River Cottage Handbook No.5.
Mr Wright regularly leads foraging excursions and is known for his appearances on the River Cottage TV series, where he shares his extensive knowledge of wild foods.
He has a website, EdibleBush, where you can get in touch to book private forays for individuals and organisations.
Get your copy of The Forager’s Calendar on Amazon:
Have you read The Forager’s Calendar? I’m curious – which stories stayed with you, and do you have any funny stories of your own to tell?
Let me know all about it in the comments below 🙂
