Foraging is a natural fit for van life. Wild food is free, fresh, and found in beautiful places.
Legalities
In England and Wales, the right to forage is limited:
- You may pick wild mushrooms, berries, and fruit for personal use
- You must not uproot any plant without landowner permission
- You must not forage in Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
- Wild plants listed in Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act are protected — do not pick In Scotland, the right to forage is more relaxed under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Beginner Foraging Finds
- Blackberries: August-October. Hedgerows everywhere. Easy to identify.
- Wild garlic: March-May. Woods and damp areas. Distinctive garlic smell.
- Elderflower: May-June. Make cordial or champagne.
- Elderberries: August-September. Make syrup or wine.
- Nettles: March-September. Cook like spinach. Wearing gloves to pick!
- Chanterelles: July-November. Woodland. Golden yellow. Very distinctive.
Essential Foraging Kit
- Basket or paper bag (plastic bags sweat the pickings)
- Small knife
- Gloves (for nettles)
- Guide book or foraging app
Cooking Foraged Food
- Blackberry crumble
- Wild garlic pesto
- Nettle soup
- Chanterelle risotto
- Elderflower cordial
Safety
Only eat something if you are 100% sure of identification. If in doubt, throw it out. Some edible mushrooms have poisonous lookalikes.
