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Nick holding an unusual foraged mushroom
River Cottage Farm View.
A person holds a woven basket brimming with freshly picked mushrooms in a natural outdoor setting.
A diverse group of individuals walking together through a lush green field under a clear blue sky.
Mushrooms gathered from a forage
Nick holding an unusual foraged mushroom
River Cottage Farm View.
A person holds a woven basket brimming with freshly picked mushrooms in a natural outdoor setting.
A diverse group of individuals walking together through a lush green field under a clear blue sky.
Mushrooms gathered from a forage
Only 4 dates left

Mushroom Foraging

£195.00

Book this course
12 Sep
£195
22 Sep
£195
03 Oct
£195
05 Oct
£195
1 day
Adult
Close
10:00 - 17:00

Experience Our Signature Mushroom Foraging Day

Join us in the stunning woodlands around River Cottage for a hands-on foraging adventure during peak autumn fungi season. Inspired by the River Cottage Mushroom Handbook, you’ll learn to safely identify and gather a variety of wild mushrooms while connecting with nature.

For years, this course was led by John Wright, a familiar face from the River Cottage TV show. Now, he’s passed the baton to Nick Phillips, an experienced forager who brings a fresh perspective, blending folklore with expert knowledge. Under his guidance, you’ll forage responsibly, using two baskets, one for edible finds, another for interesting discoveries.

By the end of the day, you’ll have newfound skills, a keen eye for foraging opportunities, and a deeper appreciation for nature’s bounty.

Is this course suitable for me?  We recommend this course for participants aged 12 and up. Under-16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all our guests. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or need more information.

Arrive at River Cottage

You’ll be met at the top of the hill and begin your River Cottage experience with a 10-15 minute walk through the pathways down to the farm, enabling you to really soak up the views of the valley.

Make yourself at home

You will be greeted by our friendly front of house team with tea, coffee and treats fresh from the kitchen. Your host Nick Phillips will begin by introducing the day before you set off on your forage.

Morning forage

Your forage starts in the stunning countryside along the Devon/Dorset border. Under Nick’s expert guidance, you will learn how to safely identify, pick, and prepare various fungi. While we can’t guarantee what you’ll discover during your forage, there will always be fascinating finds and plenty to discuss!

Snack break

We’ll keep your energy up with refreshing tea and coffee, along with some delicious snacks to enjoy throughout the day.

A further forage

After your snack, you'll continue your foray, eager to discover even more wild treasures hidden in the woods.

Late lunch

At River Cottage, food takes centre stage, and you'll enjoy a delightful two-course seasonal lunch that showcases the best of your foraged finds.

Demo session one

In the afternoon, you'll experience a cookery demonstration by one of our talented resident chefs, along with a showcase of your foraged finds that Nick will explore in greater detail.

Departure

At the end of the day, you'll confidently make your way back up the hill to our car park by 5 PM, equipped with the skills to maximise your future field and woodland walks.

Highlights

  • Meet expert forager Nick Phillips – Learn from his deep knowledge and engaging storytelling.
  • Head into the wild – Explore the stunning countryside and discover a variety of mushrooms.
  • Master safe identification – Learn how to forage responsibly and only pick what’s needed.
  • Watch our chefs in action – See wild ingredients transformed in a live cooking demo.
  • Enjoy a delicious foraged feast – Enjoy a meal crafted by our award-winning River Cottage chefs.
Foraging CoursesGardening and Outdoor CoursesRiver Cottage Courses
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