Credit crunched learn to forage food

Courses in food foraging are booming as Brits look to slash their food bill and take up hobbies that don’t cost a penny.

The National Trust has started offering foraging lessons, whilst courses run by TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and wilderness specialist Ray Mears are almost completely sold out.

In past generations foraging was part of everyday life.

During the second world war, it contributed significantly towards food eaten by rural dwellers.

Since then, it has been seen as a niche, slightly kooky hobby for gourmet chefs and eco-warriors.

Now, though, foraging is making a comeback into the mainstream.

National Trust director-general, Dame Fiona Reynolds, said the threat of austerity is turning Brits towards seeking authentic experience.

TV chef Matt Tebbutt also believes the foraging resurgence is because of the economic downturn.

Rising food prices and an economy in recession mean that many more people are looking to make the most of nature’s free ingredients, Tebbutt said.

His foraging classes - which typically cost £60 per head for two hours collecting food and a cookery class - are especially popular with people from south east England who want to learn how to make gourmet meals on a budget.