Forest Horizons

Foraging research findings update:

I cannot WAIT to start sharing some of the findings of my research walks!
For now, apart from a couple of weekends away facilitating sessions and enjoying festivals, it's all writing and shaping this dissertation. Deadline in a few weeks... EEK. Eeeeekfkneeek!! So scary.
But, here's some gorgeous things that emerged from it 😁

Foraging is about noticing. It is active noticing rather than passive noticing, and engaging with the senses. In turn, this prompts further noticing, and this is a lovely little circular thing that happens.
What emerges from this is understanding and 'knowing' that goes far deeper than simple species identification, it is an understanding of ecological connections, temporality and seasonality; it is habitat literacy.
This encourages an appreciation of value - even nettles can seem like a gift when you realise the temporal seasonality of their abundance.
And while the activity of foraging and connection to the environment is happening, a feeling of presence and mindfulness develops that I've never felt from purposeful activities like "grounding" or meditation.
And this 'presence' in habitats and ecological literacy restores our relationship with nature.

And it's so fu***ng exciting.
And, like a lot of research, there's a lot of "yeah, well, of course, I could have told you that" to it 🤣 but! How ace is it to delve in and compare to and find support from other research and fields like the psychology of restoration, walking theorists, foraging research, health and wellbeing... And lots more.

Sigh.... Ok, little excited splurge to the socials... Back to writing.
Exciting AF though.

See you in the woods soon # #

Col.

Oh. While I'm doing this in not out much foraging, but here's a little video of a campfire at Oakleaf pagan camp a couple of weeks ago. Gorgeous ❤️

Chicken of the Woods mission! 😍

You f....lippin dirty little beggar! 🤣
Video of a rotten mushroom 🤮🤣

I've set the first of my autumn forages for September 12. THE DAY AFTER I SUBMIT MY MA THESIS!
Sod my usual "ooh I'll not partake on the gin tasting". This one's a celebration!!!