We’re all increasingly interested in the provenance of our food, so what could be more fascinating than discovering the food that is growing naturally, right under our noses? Everything we buy in the supermarket today once grew wild before we started cultivating it and the ancestors of these plants and fungi can still be found in our woods and hedgerows if you know what to look for. On this informative and fun guided walk through the hidden woodlands and tracks of Symondsbury Estate, our expert forager, Nick Phillips, will unlock Nature’s secret larder, sharing with you a world of plants, roots, seeds, early-season mushrooms and flowers and how you can use them, as well as arming you with information on what to avoid.
On the way, you will learn how to identify the trees that abound on the Estate, and also be entertained with the folklore, medicinal and survival properties of the plants and fungi you discover.
You will stop for wild snacks and mushroom tea while having the opportunity to walk up the sunken depths of our holloways to discover more about these mysterious and magical underground kingdoms and the plants that live there.
At the end of the walk you will be given a goodie bag of mushrooms and a pot of wild tea to take home, and afterwards you will be sent up follow up information from Nick with a summary of the highlights from the walk to help you take your new skills forward on your own.
Date: Sunday 13th April 2025 and Saturday 3rd May 2025
Time: 11am - 2.30pm
Location: Meet in the Visitor Centre
Please Note: This event will be run outdoors so please bring appropriate clothing for wet or cold weather, sturdy footwear and we would recommend wearing long trousers to protect yourself from bites and ticks.
Event Details
Date: Sunday 13th April 2025 and Saturday 3rd May 2025
Time: 11am - 2.30pm
Location: Meet in the Visitor Centre
Program For The Day:
11.00am - Course starts
2pm - 2.30pm - Course finishes
About Nick Phillips
Nick, who is accredited by the Association of Foragers, runs a gourmet mushroom farm (a fungarium) in North Chideock. Raised under the shadow of Colmers Hill, his grandmother would wander the hills of the area with her basket, which Nick uses today, and take her grandchildren with her on her forays. Nick has a special connection to the land here, living nearby and knowing the fields and woodlands like the back of his hand. His passion for foraging really took off 14 years ago whilst living in London, he would be out looking for all the finest and strangest mushrooms of the ancient woodlands of Epping, Penn woods and the South Downs.
Grown Up Mushrooms forage in line with the Association of Foragers' code of ethics, only taking what is necessary and highlighting tips and tricks you can do to help the network spread.
Terms & Conditions
Please note, tickets for all events and workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please note this course is suitable for people aged 16+ and dogs will not be allowed to attend. Maximum 12 people per course.
