The Forager's Calendar: A Seasonal Guide to Nature’s Wild Harvests

Wright, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1781256217 ISBN 13: 9781781256213

Publisher: Profile Books, 2019

'He writes so engagingly that it's hard to imagine that actual foraging can be more attractive than reading his accounts of it. ...[This book] is a treasure. It is beautifully produced, designed and illustrated.' - John Carey, The Sunday Times

BEST NATURE BOOK OF THE YEAR, THE TIMES

Look out of your window, walk down a country path or go to the beach in Great Britain, and you are sure to see many wild species that you can take home and eat. From dandelions in spring to sloe berries in autumn, via wild garlic, samphire, chanterelles and even grasshoppers, our countryside is full of edible delights in any season.

John Wright is the country's foremost expert in foraging and brings decades of experience, including as forager at the River Cottage, to this seasonal guide. Month by month, he shows us what species can be found and where, how to identify them, and how to store, use and cook them. You'll learn the stories behind the Latin names, the best way to tap a Birch tree, and how to fry an ant, make rosehip syrup and cook a hop omelette.

Fully illustrated throughout, with tips on kit, conservation advice and what to avoid, this is an indispensable guide for everyone interested in wild food, whether you want to explore the great outdoors, or are happiest foraging from your armchair.

Review:

He writes so engagingly that it's hard to imagine that actual foraging can be more attractive than reading his accounts of it. ...the splendour of his book, which is a treasure. It is beautifully produced, designed and illustrated. (John Carey The Sunday Times)

John Wright writes as though he's talking directly to you, a good friend in the same room. His harvest of fascinating information is worn lightly, with funny, whimsical observations... this wonderful book should be well-thumbed by anyone who is interested in the natural world. (BBC Countryfile)

A hugely useful, well-illustrated and often funny book (The Times)

Praise for A Natural History of the Hedgerow:
A beautifully presented field guide.

(Robbie Millen The Times)

This illustrated survey is historically detailed, enriched by the author's deep knowledge of British landscapes and natural history. (Guardian)

A true labour of love spiced with a fine dry humour... [not] just a delightful one-off read, but an invaluable work of reference that will remain on my bookshelves for good. (Christopher Hart The Sunday Times)

The comprehensive and meticulously illustrated Forager's Calendar will make you see the countryside differently. Where once you saw fields and foreshore, you will come to see a culinary treasure trove, be it midwinter or a fecund autumn day. (The Times)

Praise for The Naming of the Shrew:
Who would have thought that a book about Latin names could be quite so compelling!

(Alan Titchmarsh)

Brims with verbal curiosities. (Nature)

Nature writing at its best: insightful, entertaining and often very funny. (British Wildlife)

Book Description:

A month by month handbook for foraging in the woods, fields and seashores of Great Britain