What makes a family foraging tour special?
On family tours a special kind of magic happens — and that’s not a cliché, believe me, I’m allergic to clichés. At the trailhead I ask the kids to tuck their phones away in the bag, unless they want to film (they usually don’t…) and simply be present. At first it’s a little awkward — “what does this lady want from us?” — but slowly the defenses drop, and suddenly they discover that this plant growing everywhere is wild oat, cousin of the oats in their morning porridge; or they put a “plain” leaf in their mouth — it looks like every other leaf around — and suddenly taste its special aroma, and we play a game of which food it reminds us of.
That’s how the magic happens: the body relaxes, the lungs open with fresh air and nature’s embrace, the basket fills with plants for our lunch — and then we reach the cooking spot, where a fire is already burning and hot tea waits. We rest a moment, laugh, hug, and start cooking. Everyone joins in, from the smallest child to grandma; stories are told, memories surface, sometimes we sing — and when the food is ready we all eat together around the fire, a meal made by our own hands. Afterwards we linger by the fire; an extra activity can be added if arranged ahead. You go home happy, and richer in knowledge that will stay with you for life.
Get in touch and we’ll plan the family tour that fits you — or join one of my scheduled open tours.
Why is it such an empowering family experience?
Together with the family we choose the tour location, matched to your preferences and to who’s coming. We learn the local wild plants through stories and explanations — and through taste, smell and touch — then gather the plants for our meal. Back at camp a campfire, tea and coffee are already waiting; we rest a moment and start cooking together: the 5-year-old and the 80-year-old grandmother alike. Cooking in nature from plants we gathered and learned about minutes ago is an empowering experience that strengthens the family bond.
Before every tour I ask the organizer whether there are foods or spices you’d rather avoid, or any food allergies, and build the menu so it suits everyone. Parents are often sure their child won’t touch the food — then watch, amazed, as the kid devours the mallow dessert or the nettle soup. A few days later I send you the recipes so you can keep experimenting at home.
To me it matters deeply to expose children to foraging: it creates an unmediated bond with nature — we don’t just talk about nature, we become part of it, and we learn to gather gently, in a way that lets every plant keep growing. Even if the kids don’t follow every explanation, the very experience of leaving the screens, gathering together and cooking a shared meal is one that fits any family.
