Foraging near rivers provides a rich variety of life. Many plants grow well in or around water.
Some are aquatic, while others grow along riverbanks and in wetland areas. A classic example is the prolific riverside plant himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).
Yet, foraging in these areas has risks, mainly due to water pollution.
Assessing water quality before gathering plants is crucial. Contact your local Environment Agency to check the safety of your local rivers.
If you forage now and then, this doesn’t matter much. But if you often forage in the same spot, it’s something to consider.
Water quality varies greatly depending on your location. For example, rivers in the Scottish Highlands are usually cleaner than those in busy cities like London.
A key practice in sustainable foraging is rotational gathering. Look for many locations where the same plant grows.
Avoid harvesting from the same spot many times. This ensures that plant communities are not over-harvested and allows ecosystems to regenerate.
While foraging might seem widespread, very few people rely on it as a primary food source.
As a responsible forager, you should let plant populations recover, as other grazing animals do.
One should approach foraging in a way that mimics natural grazing. Animals like horses and deer don’t clear an area completely. They eat a bit at a time, which helps plants to regrow.
I have a simple rule: I only gather for today and tomorrow. I don’t follow this only when I’m getting ready for winter storage.
Even then, I avoid excessive stockpiling, focusing instead on selective preservation.
A handful is usually enough for a meal. Foragers often mix many plant species with cultivated foods in their meals.
I’ve never tried to live solely on wild food, but I admire those who have done it for a long time. I focus on practical integration.
Foraging, for me, is about improving daily life and well-being, not making it an extreme lifestyle.
Beyond nutrition, foraging has significant mental and emotional benefits. It encourages slowing down, being present, and spending time outdoors.
This is especially important in the darker months when natural light is essential. Foraging isn’t just about finding food; it’s also a way to practise self-care. It lets you pause, breathe, and reconnect with nature.
You must develop a deep knowledge of your local landscape to forage safely. This means knowing what’s underground, what could be polluting a river, and what’s happening upstream.
In my early days, I met wannabe survivalists. They thought clear water was safe to drink. But, without knowing what’s a mile upstream, you cannot be sure.
The only way to gain a deep understanding of your environment is to conduct research on it. Contact your local Environment Agency. Check out industrial activities along your river. Find out about possible sources of contamination.
Knowledge is key, whether from official environmental reports or personal observations.
The more you know about your local rivers and their areas, the better you can forage.
Talk soon,
P.S. 80% of my work is public-facing, meaning I don’t lock it behind a paywall.
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