Dangerous and Deadly: Poisonous Plant Identification

Guided Tours
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Price from: £20

When? Tuesday 23 Jun, 10am-12pm

About

It is essential that every forager knows how to identify not just that which is safe and edible, but those plants and mushrooms which can cause us harm. Come along on a guided walk, as you learn to identify some of Britain's most dangerous and deadly wild plants and mushrooms which are often found in abundance and within plain sight! We'll be exploring Jesmond Dene, a Victorian public park nestled in the east-end of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

This walk will be purely educational and for identification purposes only.

What to Expect

🌱You will learn how to correctly identify around 10- 15 different wild plants, trees and fungi, as well as get to know some of their edible lookalikes.

🌱We'll be covering why it's important to know how to identify dangerous plants, and how to forage safely.

🌱You will learn why it's beneficial to know your local landscape and why this information can be important to us as foragers.

🌱We'll also look at the pharmaceutical benefits of some of the plants we come across.

🌱I'll be sharing a bit of the history of the Dene and why it makes for an interesting location when it comes to foraging.

All levels of interest are welcome, but this will be an adult only event.

What to Bring

Please dress for the unpredictable British weather, and wear whatever footwear you feel comfortable in.

If the weather has been wet, please expect the paths to be muddy.

Feel free to bring a notepad and pen if you want to take notes along the way.

Accessibility

This route is through public park and while the paths are paved, they are very steep in places and the route may include stairs, but the route can be adjusted.

There are two car parks at Paddy Freeman Park, which are pay by phone, or alternatively, there is parking in various locations along the Dene. It is also accesible via multiple bus routes.

There are currently no public toilet facilities available at the park.

Assistance dogs are always welcome.

If you have any accesibilty requirements I ask that you can please get in touch before booking just to make sure that this route is right for you.

Business providing experience

The Cramlington Forager

Welcome to The Cramlington Forager, where Gemma, a seasoned foraging guide based in Cramlington, Northumberland, invites enthusiasts to delve into the sustainable practice of foraging. Born from a lifelong passion that started with childhood blackberry picking adventures, The Cramlington Forager was established to extend the joys and lessons of foraging to the local community.

Launched in 2021, the business challenges the idea that one must be nestled deep in the countryside to engage in foraging. Northumberland’s rich tapestry of breathtaking landscapes, woodlands, coastlines, and even urban parks, offers abundant foraging opportunities that are often surprising and rewarding.

The Cramlington Forager is committed to promoting the use of local green spaces, highlighting their critical role as natural havens for both wildlife and humans. Through foraging, people gain unique insights into nature's secrets, from seasonal changes to emerging flora, enhancing their understanding and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Gemma shares her extensive knowledge through social media, a blog that features tips on identifying wild foods safely, sustainable foraging techniques, and recipes using wild ingredients. Aligned with the natural cycles, her practices emphasize the health benefits of living in harmony with the seasons.

Additionally, Gemma contributes to community projects like 'The Friends of Doddington Wood' and actively participates in the Cramlington WI as a WI Climate Ambassador. In 2024, The Cramlington Forager proudly partners with Visit Northumberland, aiming to showcase the region's natural beauty and vibrant culture.