1 GO FORAGING

THE ESSENTIAL KIT

March is a great month for foraging. You’ll find edible nettles (see number 3, below) and wild garlic (search recipes on bbcgoodfood.com). It’s free to forage and you don’t need much kit, just the following:

• Basket or natural fibre bag Plastic bags are a no-no in general but they also make foraged leaves sweat and become damaged a lot quicker.

• Scissors or secateurs Snipping rather than pulling leaves is more respectful and will encourage new growth.

• Walking boots or wellies Where things grow it’s often wet underfoot, so take appropriate footwear.

• Gardening gloves Whether you’re picking nettles or avoiding brambles, a thick pair of gloves will make the job easier and less painful.

• A photo guide Never pick anything you’re unsure of. Use a photo guide to ensure you don’t pick anything that might be toxic. You can use the internet or books we’d recommend are Food For Free by Richard Mabey and The Forager’s Calendar by John Wright.