Foraging is another thing I am still learning about but have probably done more than I think over the years. Depending on where you live and what you have access to you may be able to forage all sorts of nourishing plants fruit.

I have enjoyed the results of a lot of my family’s foraging over the years. My mom it not shy and no matter where we are, on holiday, in a forest, down the street from her house - if she sees good fruit or veg going begging, she helps herself. She makes jam, pies, cordials, and other fermented drinks. The amount of free produce she gets given by friends and neighbours who have grown or foraged themselves is also amazing.

Sometimes I think that if you go after something, and celebrate it, an opening is created and that thing you prize will become more and more apparent in your life. Or maybe it’s that you are just on the lookout and notice it when it comes along. Either way - foraging for free fruit and plants is great way to enjoy the natural environment and it’s bounty!

Some quick rules when it comes to foraging

• Only pick for your own consumption. Make sure to leave enough for local wildlife and other adventurers.

• Never dig up a plant only take from the 4 F’s: Fruit, Flower, Foliage & Fungi.

• Ask permission if foraging on private land.

• Don’t forage around busy roads and below the height of local dogs pee spots.

• Make sure you know what you are picking. If unsure leave it.

• Always try a little bit before munching down on what could potentially by toxic and remember different people’s bodies react differently.

And there you go. Hope you have found this eco-nomial blog series helpful and that it has given you some ideas of how to save the environment and your cash at the same time.

Enjoy your foraging!