AUTUMN FORAGING

Before heading into the wilds to harvest fronds and fruits, stock up on the optimal kit Words: Nora Wallaya

1 NIWAKI TOKUSEN 165MM SECATEURS

Hand-forged from carbon steel, these Japanese-made ergonomic secateurs are small and light enough to hold in the palm of your hand, while being sharp enough to make quick, clean cuts. A lightweight box craƒed from paulownia wood ensures they can be safely stowed away while on the move. £149. niwaki.com

2 THE FORAGER’S CALENDAR, BY JOHN WRIGHT

This colourful guide provides a comprehensive introduction to the UK’s wild food, from the meaty-tasting hen of the woods mushroom to salty marsh samphire. Naturalist and mycologist John Wright reveals how to identify species, what to pick and when, and how to store your finds and prepare them for the table. £12. profilebooks.com

3 CAMELBAK CARRY CAP SST VACUUM INSULATED BOTTLE 1L

You’ll need to carry water for both yourself and your finds. A litre will sušce for a short trip: use some to wash away soil and small critters before they find their way into your bag. This reusable bottle is easy to clean, BPA-, BPS- and BPF-free, and keeps liquids hot for 10 hours and cold for 24.

£35. camelbak.co.uk

4 BARBOUR LOWGOS JACKET

Wrap up against the elements without weighing yourself down. This knee-length coat is light and waterproof, with a ba–ed inner for extra warmth and weather protection. It has a large hood, for staying dry in downpours, deep pockets for plunging cold hands into, and comes in a relaxed fit, so you can add layers underneath if need be. £259. barbour.com

5 FJÄLLRÄVEN ULVÖ ROLLTOP 23

This roll-top backpack with a structured bottom has plenty of room (23 litres) for you to stack containers of delicate foraged items quickly and easily, keeping them tidy and organised. The durable, waterproof Bergshell fabric outer layer — made from recycled nylon — is new from Swedish brand Fjällräven. £140. allraven.com

6 BURGON & BALL EVERYDAY GLOVES

Created by Sophie Conran (of the Conran designer dynasty), these comfy gloves are durable enough to handle prickly branches. They’re also machine-washable at 30C — handy when dealing with staining leaves and berries — and flare at the wrists for protection against snags and stings. £17.99. burgonandball.com