Question 1

How far will we walk during a foraging walk?

Accepted Answer

There are generally a lot of wild plants to talk about in a very small area! We'll normally cover 1 - 2km on a 2.5 hour walk. The wild garlic walks are the longest as we have to ascend a short hill to get into the woods.

Question 2

I'm not a vegan and feed my children fish fingers, are these walks for me?!!

Accepted Answer

This is a real question by the way! Learning about wild plants is for everyone, and is a  brilliant way of engaging with nature. It's great for helping us to slow down, really stop and notice nature, for better wellbeing and to add interest to walks. And who knows, you might even be convinced to start using the occasional wild plant in your diet, which is great for your gut health.

I think some people think that foraging is a really niche way of life, but it doesn't have to be....joining a foraging walk could be the start of a lifelong adventure! And yes, you can still feed your children fish fingers!

Question 3

Will we get to taste any wild plants?

Accepted Answer

I encourage people to use their senses when learning about wild plants. We crush plants to release their aroma, use high magnification hand lens to really observe the details, and yes where possible and appropriate we taste the wild plants. Of course, that is up to each individual if they want to do that, and depending on individual tolerance and allergies eg anyone with serious allergies may choose to be more cautious. You may wish to bring a bottle of water to wash any plants before you taste them.

It's important that you don't use taste to ID plants, especially as a beginner forager. You must be 150% certain that you have correctly identified a plant and certain that it's edible, before putting it in your mouth.

On all walks of 2.5 hours +, I will bring delicious tasters for you to enjoy, made using wild ingredients.

Question 4

Will we be harvesting plants to take home?

Accepted Answer

On my foraging walks you will get to know many amazing plants and the focus is on learning, not harvesting to take home. If you'd like to be gathering and processing, please book a private session. (/contact)

Question 5

Where can I find guidance on foraging best practice?

Accepted Answer

As a member of the Association of Foragers, I abide by their Principles of Practice which can be found here.(https://foragers-association.org/principles)

Foraging guidance from the Food Standards Agency can be found here (https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/guidance-for-safe-foraging)and the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI) has a great guide found here w(https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/Code_of_Conduct.pdf)hich all foragers should read.

Question 6

Can I bring my dog on a foraging walk?

Accepted Answer

I love dogs, but these walks aren't suitable for energetic dogs due to the slow pace.

Question 7

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Please see the full cancellation and refund conditions here.(https://www.joyfuloutdoors.co.uk/terms-conditions) Essentially, no refunds are given with 14 days or less notice from the date of the event.

Question 8

What plants are we likely to see on a Spring walk?

Accepted Answer

Common Spring species that we may find, depending on the site, can include chickweed, Scots Pine, cleavers, red dead nettle, white dead nettle, cuckoo flowers, ribwort plantain, water mint, hawthorn blossom & leaves, yarrow, dandelions, red clover, ground ivy, wood sorrel, common sorrel, herb robert, wood avens, common hogweed, bramble, garlic mustard, nettles, daisy, linden leaves, primrose, sweet violet, hairy bittercress, golden saxifrage, greater stitchwort as well as many species of native trees.

Of course these can't be guaranteed and depend on what nature decides to present to us on the day!

Question 9

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. These walks are designed for people with no previous foraging experience.

Question 10

Are children welcome?

Accepted Answer

Yes, children aged 5+ are very welcome when accompanied by an adult. Under 5s come free but must be supervised at all times. However, these walks aren't really suitable for young children or dogs due to the slow pace.

Question 11

Is this a mushroom walk?

Accepted Answer

No, I focus on wild plants, herbs, and greens rather than fungi.

Question 12

What should I bring on a foraging walk?

Accepted Answer

Just yourself, water, and curiosity. I provide tasters, foraging bags, and all materials.

Question 13

What happens if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

We forage in all but extreme weather. I'll email before the walk with guidance on what to wear. A bit of rain makes everything smell amazing!

Question 14

What should I wear to a foraging walk?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable outdoor clothing, sturdy waterproof footwear, and layers. I'll send a full kit list when you book.

Question 15

Where exactly do we meet?

Accepted Answer

I'll send exact meeting point details and parking information a week before your walk.

Beginner foraging walks in the Surrey Hills

Join beginner-friendly foraging course in Surrey Hills

What you'll experience on a beginners foraging walk

On a foraging walk, you'll learn how to:

By the end of the foraging walk, you'll leave:

What attendees have said about my foraging workshops

Why forage with Joyful Outdoors?

Expert guidance

Beginner-friendly approach

Small groups

Real experience

Beautiful locations

Upcoming Foraging Walks in Surrey

What attendees have said about my foraging workshops

Private foraging walks and workshops

Private foraging sessions are perfect for

Limited offer for private Spring 2026 foraging walks in Godalming

About Elspeth, your foraging guide

Beginner foraging walks in the Surrey Hills

Join beginner-friendly foraging course in Surrey Hills

What you'll experience on a beginners foraging walk

On a foraging walk, you'll learn how to:

By the end of the foraging walk, you'll leave:

What attendees have said about my foraging workshops

Why forage with Joyful Outdoors?

Expert guidance

Beginner-friendly approach

Small groups

Real experience

Beautiful locations

​Upcoming Foraging Walks in Surrey

What attendees have said about my foraging workshops

Private foraging walks and workshops

Private foraging sessions are perfect for

Limited offer for private Spring 2026 foraging walks in Godalming

About Elspeth, your foraging guide

Upcoming Foraging Walks in Surrey