Natural mirrors
Today, I want you to find a plant that tells a story about its survival. All plants adapt to their environment, as all humans … Continue
Robin Harford
Rotational foraging
Foraging near rivers provides a rich variety of life. Many plants grow well in or around water. Some are aquatic, while others grow along … Continue
Hidden dangers: why your foraging ground’s history matters more than you think
Modern foraging requires vigilance. Beyond avoiding animal waste, soil health is crucial. Past land use can introduce contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides into … Continue
Flowering currant blossom syrup
A delicate pink syrup that captures the fleeting essence of spring flowering currants. The gentle heating process preserves both the color and subtle floral … Continue
Flowering currant and wild thyme infused honey
SERVES 2-4 The floral sweetness of currant blossoms paired with wild thyme creates a delicate honey perfect for drizzling over fresh ricotta or stirring … Continue
Early spring salad of flowering currant, pea shoots and fresh herbs
SERVES 2 This bright spring salad celebrates the delicate flavor of flowering currant blossoms. The key is to dress it very simply and serve … Continue
How to avoid dog pee
A reader asked me recently. ‘How safe is it to forage in cities?’ It is an important question and one that needs to be … Continue
From drug addiction to wild wellbeing
I started foraging after my publishing company collapsed. The Cold War had ended, and certain gentlemen found themselves unemployed, so I published their wannabe … Continue
Forest floor tea
I published an essay on making tea with birch twigs a few days ago. A reader named Rev emailed me, ‘Hi Robin, this silver … Continue
A cup of twig tea
During the recent cold weather, I gathered silver birch twigs from outside my local police station, under the constabulary’s watchful eye. I took those … Continue
A frost resistant edible green
Today, I had to take some of my books to the post office. I live in a city, and waiting for a bus takes … Continue
Plants, minimalism and purpose
I found a note I saved months ago while archiving old data that was cluttering my computer. Before I continue, I need to fess … Continue
Eat something wild every day
Frank Cook was my plant mentor. He’s the reason you are reading these words. The reason he kicked me out of the door in … Continue
Yarrow purée
Method Pick, wash and dry some handfuls of young leaves. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the leaves and simmer … Continue
Sorrel and cucumber soup
This vibrant sorrel and cucumber soup is a refreshing blend of zesty sorrel, cooling cucumber, and creamy sour cream, with a gentle kick of … Continue