Foraging Safety Guidelines

Foraging is a wonderful activity, but it comes with real risks. Follow these essential safety guidelines to enjoy wild foods responsibly.

The Golden Rules of Foraging

1

100% Certain or Don't Eat

If you have any doubt about the identification of a plant, mushroom, or berry, do not consume it. Even a small amount of some species can be fatal.

2

Learn from Experts First

Take a foraging course with a qualified instructor before foraging independently. Books and online resources are supplements, not substitutes for hands-on learning.

3

Know the Lookalikes

Many edible plants have poisonous lookalikes. Learn both the edible species AND its dangerous doppelgangers before harvesting.

4

Start Small

When trying a new foraged food, eat only a small amount and wait 24 hours. Some people have allergies or sensitivities to wild foods.

Poisonous Plants to Know

The UK has several deadly poisonous plants. Familiarise yourself with these before foraging:

Hemlock

Resembles wild carrot/cow parsley. All parts extremely toxic. Look for purple-spotted stems and mousy smell.

Foxglove

Leaves can be confused with comfrey. Contains cardiac glycosides - potentially fatal even in small amounts.

Deadly Nightshade

Shiny black berries are attractive but extremely poisonous. Found in woodlands and waste ground.

Lords-and-Ladies

Young leaves can be mistaken for wild garlic. Red berries are toxic. Check for garlic smell to distinguish.

Lily of the Valley

Leaves resemble wild garlic. Highly toxic - no garlic smell. Always smell-check wild garlic harvests.

Giant Hogweed

Sap causes severe burns in sunlight. Very tall plant (up to 5m) with large white flower heads. Avoid all contact.

Mushroom Foraging Safety

Mushroom foraging carries the highest risk of any foraging activity. Many deadly species closely resemble edible ones.

We strongly recommend completing a specialist mushroom identification course before attempting to forage fungi.

Deadly UK Mushrooms

  • ■Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) - Responsible for most UK mushroom fatalities. Can be confused with edible species.
  • ■Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa) - Pure white, attractive, and deadly. No cure for poisoning.
  • ■Funeral Bell (Galerina marginata) - Grows on wood, often confused with edible species.
  • ■Fool's Funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa) - Grows in grass, similar to edible fairy ring mushrooms.

Safe Foraging Locations

Avoid roadsides - Plants absorb pollutants from vehicle exhaust and may be contaminated with lead and other heavy metals.

Avoid farmland edges - May be sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers.

Avoid dog-walking areas - Risk of contamination. Forage at waist height or above, or in less frequented areas.

Avoid industrial areas - Soil may be contaminated with heavy metals or chemicals.

Good locations - Ancient woodlands, clean beaches away from outflows, private land with permission, and well-maintained nature reserves.

Coastal Foraging Safety

Tidal awareness: Always check tide times before foraging on the coast. People die every year being cut off by incoming tides. Give yourself plenty of time to return.

Shellfish safety: Only collect shellfish from clean waters away from sewage outflows. Check for algal bloom warnings. Shellfish concentrate toxins and bacteria.

Seaweed: Only harvest seaweed that is attached and growing, not washed-up material which may be decomposing.

Cliff edges: Stay well back from cliff edges, especially after rain when they may be unstable.

If You Suspect Poisoning

If you or someone else experiences symptoms after eating foraged food:

  1. Call 999 or go to A&E immediately - Don't wait to see if symptoms improve.
  2. Keep a sample - If possible, keep a sample of what was eaten for identification.
  3. Take a photo - Photograph the plant or mushroom if you have one.
  4. Note the time - Record when the food was eaten and when symptoms started.
  5. Don't induce vomiting - Unless specifically advised by medical professionals.

Emergency Contacts:

Emergency Services: 999

NHS Non-Emergency: 111

National Poisons Information Service (for medical professionals)

Learn to Forage Safely

The best way to learn safe foraging is with an experienced instructor. Browse our directory of UK foraging courses and find one near you.

Find a Foraging Course
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