foraging with george
MARCH - MAY 2026
STAY, LEARN, EAT
Cowdray’s foraging courses offer a thoughtful way to engage with the Estate, guided by Estate forager George. Sessions follow the seasons and are shaped by what’s growing at the time, from early shoots and wild greens to fungi, herbs and edible trees.
Foraging experiences take place across the Estate, moments from our treehouses, and are booked directly through Cowdray Estate.
upcoming foraging courses
Morning or early afternoon walks led by Cowdray’s forager. Small group sessions shaped by the season.
Guests often plan their stay around a course, returning to their treehouse afterwards to rest and put their learnings into practice.
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10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Join us for the start of our 2026 foraging programme.As the South Downs awaken, we will explore early greens like nettles, cleavers, and chickweed, alongside oyster mushrooms and the first flow of birch sap. We’ll celebrate the quiet energy of late winter turning to spring with a warming wild tea and a foraged tasting experience.
Walks will be circular, beginning and ending at Cowdray Farm Shop and will last approximately 2.5 hours.
Please wear footwear that is suitable for undulating terrain.
Buy Tickets £37.50
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10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Learn foraging in the heart of West Sussex.
Take a walk along our hedgerows and fields under the guidance of our Estate forager seeking dandelion roots, hogweed, nettles, and wild garlic shoots. We will celebrate resilience and renewal, learning how to safely and sustainably forage wild foods whilst caring for and improving our wild spaces.
Walks will be circular, beginning and ending at Cowdray Farm Shop and will last approximately 2.5 hours.
Please wear footwear that is suitable for undulating terrain.
Buy Tickets £37.50
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10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Join our Spring foraging course and explore wild greens, edible trees and medicinal herbs.
As the first true warmth reaches the Downs, we will forage hawthorn buds, beech leaves, sorrel, and ground ivy. You’ll taste the tender greens of spring and celebrate nature’s quiet generosity through new and delicious wild flavours found across the English countryside.
Walks will be circular, beginning and ending at Cowdray Farm Shop and will last approximately 2.5 hours.
Please wear footwear that is suitable for undulating terrain.
Buy Tickets £37.50
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10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Explore nature with our spring foraging course.
A day of gentle exploration and connection, discovering cleavers, wood sorrel, and early hogweed shoots along our hedgerows and woodland paths. We’ll deepen our understanding of place through learning it’s history, mindful foraging, and tasting the freshness of spring through the spectacular species of the English countryside.
Walks will be circular, beginning and ending at Cowdray Farm Shop and will last approximately 2.5 hours.
Please wear footwear that is suitable for undulating terrain.
Buy Tickets £37.50
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10:30 am - 1:00 pm
On this mid-spring foraging walk, Estate forager George will encourage you to find wild greens, mushrooms and herbs.
You will learn their modern and traditional uses as George weaves their stories into an engaging experience for all, celebrating the beauty and generosity of the spring season. You will learn how to bring this bounty into your lives through tasty recipes and tips.
Walks will be circular, beginning and ending at Cowdray Farm Shop and will last approximately 2.5 hours.
Please wear footwear that is suitable for undulating terrain.
Buy Tickets £37.50
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10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Discover edible trees, leaves and shoots with Estate forager George, from the young leaves of lime and beech to the tender tips of hawthorn.
As you wander through spring the beautiful grounds of the Cowdray meadows and ruins, you’ll learn to identify edible saps, shoots, and leaves, tasting their unique flavours and celebrating foraging as a way to learn your landscape seeing it through new eyes and connecting guests to the biodiversity we have all around us.
Walks will be circular, beginning and ending at Cowdray Farm Shop and will last approximately 2.5 hours.
Please wear footwear that is suitable for undulating terrain.
Buy Tickets £37.50
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10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Join George for a day of Foraging as you safely learn how to gather a wide range of seasonal salads, fungi and vegetables.
Guests will harvest and prepare these seasonal treasures before enjoying a wild food picnic among the trees in a scenic spot. The aim of this walk is give people a chance to truly get immersed in nature tasting and cooking your surroundings in a welcoming and engaging celebration of the season.
Walks will be circular, beginning and ending at Benbow Pond.
Please wear footwear that is suitable for undulating terrain.
Buy Tickets £75.00
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10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Join George in this fun and immersive tour of the Cowdray Estate.
Kids of all ages are encouraged to interact with and learn a bunch of brilliant wild foods, medicines and their histories. Teach your family how to survive stings with plant plasters and herbs to heal cuts and grazes. George joyfully weaves a native through the hedgerows and fields bringing to life to the common species that make up our gardens and walks. Guests get to see how we can safely delve into this world with curiosity, care and caution to keep us and the environment happy and healthy.
Walks will be circular, beginning and ending at Cowdray Farm Shop Cafe.
Please wear footwear that is suitable for undulating terrain.
Meet George
On The Wild's Side was founded to honor and conserve nature through foraging, cooking, conservation, and connection. Led by professional forager and conservationist George Linklater, the vision is to inspire people to build a deeper relationship with their environment for health, nutrition, and well-being.
With years of experience foraging wild foods and supplying top chefs, George now shares his passion for wild edibles, biodiversity, and the importance of preserving our native landscapes. He collaborates with landowners, communities, and individuals to promote a balanced connection between people and nature.
Having explored diverse landscapes from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall, George has been featured on BBC's Saturday Kitchen, showcasing the journey from forest to fork.
Previous guest
“George is so knowledgeable and affable, it made for a really great experience... to feel safe to taste things that I would never dare to do on my own and to see how much is beneath our feet and around us without fully realising was quite incredible…”
Have a question?
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We recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots suitable for walking through nature, and dressing in layers depending on the weather. It's also a good idea to bring a water bottle, a small backpack, and a notebook if you wish to take notes.
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No experience is necessary! These walks are suitable for all levels, from beginners to seasoned foragers. George will guide you through the entire process of identifying, harvesting, and preparing wild foods.
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The walk lasts approximately 2-3 hours, with a moderate level of difficulty. It is suitable for most fitness levels, but please be aware that we will be walking through nature and uneven terrain.
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The walks will generally proceed regardless of weather conditions, so please dress appropriately for the forecasted weather. In case of extreme weather (such as high winds or heavy rain), we will contact you in advance if we need to cancel or reschedule the walk.
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The picnic features seasonal, foraged delights prepared by George. The menu may vary depending on what’s available, but it typically includes wild mushrooms, foraged salads, breads, preserves, and seasonal drinks. If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know when booking so we can accommodate your needs.
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Yes! Children are welcome, but please note that the walk is approximately 2-3 hours long and involves walking through nature. If you’re bringing younger children, please consider their comfort and stamina for the walk. All children must be accompanied by adults.
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Absolutely! We encourage you to take photos, but please be respectful of the environment and wildlife. If you wish to take photos of specific plants or fungi, make sure to follow George’s guidance on what is safe to photograph and touch.
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The walk involves walking through natural terrain that may be uneven. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us in advance to discuss whether the walk is suitable for you or if we can suggest an alternative option.
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Yes dogs are welcome but please notify us prior to the walk so we can ensure the route is agreeable for dogs.