Foraging Workshop FAQ: What to Wear, What to Bring, and What to Expect
The most common email I get is some version of: “I’d love to come, but I have no idea what to wear or what to bring.” So here are the practical answers, all in one place.
What to wear
Wear what you would wear for a countryside walk in the same month. That is the entire answer, but here are the specifics.
Sturdy shoes or boots with grip — the ground is uneven, and in autumn it will be muddy. Wellies are fine if it has rained; walking boots or trainers with decent tread are fine in dry weather. Do not wear anything you would be upset to get dirty. Long trousers, regardless of the weather, because you will be walking through bramble and nettle patches. Layers, because the Kent weather does what it wants, and a waterproof if there is any chance of rain.
What to bring
A bag or basket for anything you forage. A small cooler bag is ideal in warmer months if you want to keep berries fresh on the way home. A water bottle. A pair of secateurs or scissors if you have them — I have spare pairs, but many people prefer their own.
You do not need to bring identification books, field guides, or any reference material. I provide everything for identification on the day.
Weather policy
Walks go ahead in light rain. If the forecast is genuinely severe — thunderstorms, high winds, or flooding — I will reschedule, and you will have the option of the new date or a full refund. I make the call the evening before, so you are not waiting until the morning.
Accessibility
Walks are along public footpaths, woodland tracks, and hedgerows, which means uneven ground, stiles, and some slopes. If you have mobility concerns, email me before booking and I will tell you honestly about the specific route and whether it will work for you. I would rather have that conversation beforehand than have you arrive and find it is too much.
What about food and drink?
Eat before you come. Walks typically last two to three hours, and while we taste things along the way, it is nibbling, not lunch. Bring a water bottle. If we are doing a longer workshop with a kitchen element, I will tell you in advance.
What is provided vs what to bring
I provide: identification guides, secateurs (if you do not have your own), foraging baskets for use during the walk, and everything needed for any tasting or preparation on the day.
You bring: appropriate clothing, a water bottle, a bag or basket for taking things home, and your own secateurs if you prefer them.
That is it. Nothing about coming is complicated. If you still have a question, email me at chloe@chloearchard.com and I will answer it directly.
If you would like to be notified when workshop dates are announced, you can join the waitlist here.
