Foraging Book Reviews

One of the best and easiest ways to start identifying wild plants and food is through books. You should look for ones with clear drawings or photographs, in-depth descriptions and an obvious system to look up the plants you have.

Here are some reviews of my favourite foraging books, and other books that I think you might like (because I do!).

The River Cottage Hedgerow Handbook

This book is so valuable to foragers. It introduces the joy of foraging to beginners, has wonderful images and above all, is a fantastic read, at times being very funny. If you are looking for your first foraging book, or keen to expand your knowledge...READ MORE...

Mushrooms

If you are looking for a comprehensive manual of mushrooms, this is a great choice. There are over 1,250 photographs all going into detail to help you identify your find. It's also easy to get to the type of mushroom you have quickly, just by looks.

Wild Food: A Complete Guide For Foragers

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Are you looking to up your game when it comes to cooking what you have foraged? Then this is the book for you! Rammed full with creative and unique recipes for mushrooms, seaweed, flowers and so much more, Phillips' book is great for beginners and experienced foragers. READ MORE.

Food for Free

As you can tell from the image of my own very weathered copy of Food for Free above, this is a handy pocket guide and deserves to be taken everywhere! Whilst only covering a small selection of wild food, it highlights many of the most common plants you'll come across. READ MORE...

Mushrooms

Another belter from the River Cottage team, this time looking at mushrooms. Another wonderful read, and also really handy in the field for quick identification. Great photos, good descriptions and some clever and tasty recipe ideas for eating what you find.

The Forager's Journal

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Taking a journal out with you is the perfect way to note what you see, draw what's important and at the end of the year, have a wonderful memento of everything you did outside. The Forager's Journal is simple and dedicated to this task. READ MORE...

The Forager's Calendar

As you may have guessed from the state of this book, my children got their hands on it before I did. But this is one of the best books I've read about foraging in a long time, cover or not! Another winner from John Wright.