WELCOME TO ASHDOWN FORAGE

Brought up with foraging and wild food in her blood, Iona took a deep dive on the subject in her mid-twenties, and never resurfaced. Iona has worked on surveys and recording projects, taught plant and fungi ID as well as foraging/outdoor food preparation and preservation skills for over a decade now, more recently including demonstrations in fungal microscopy, and her passion for nature extends far beyond foraging for food. However as a chef with experience in both professional kitchens and running her own events catering business, wild food is always where she comes home to, believing that food is a universal and easily accessible way for us to connect and engage with our environment and each other.
Whatever your needs, from private courses, to public courses, corporate events, talks, interviews, educational events for both adults and children, and more, Iona is armed with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Equally importantly she has a keen understanding of the other myriad benefits of time spent gathering wild food in your environment, and is excited to open your eyes to all of the incredible beauty and bounty that our British countryside has to offer, through foraging in Sussex and further afield.

ABOUT ASHDOWN FORAGE

We believe that everyone would be happier if they spent a little more time in nature and eating great native foraged foods. To that end we run a multi faceted business to help people reconnect, whilst learning some forgotten skills or enjoying some fantastic food.

Courses

We run foraging and identification courses in Sussex, - around Forest Row, Haywards Heath, Lewes and Brighton - on which people can spend the day learning about wild plants and fungi, including edibility, toxicity, historical medicinal uses, ecology, folklore, as well as opening eyes to the unusual odd and unexpected things around us! Whatever your level of knowledge, we can cater to you! Half day courses finish with a tasting session and Q&A, where you can ask anything that you have been wondering, and sample foraged preserves, sauces or spices. There is also a seasonal plan available to spread the cost. Full day courses include: Fireside cooking demonstration, Q&A session, a look at some books/educational resources,and a 2 course foraged feast! These are run on a sign up basis for the public, at a maximum of 15 people per course to ensure adequate teaching time for all.

Private courses are also available, for families, special occasions, Home Educators, schools, or just as a nice way to get together with your friends sharing time outdoors. These are tailored to your needs, and can be discussed with Iona on the listed email address.

We can also create bespoke experiences for companies/organisations as team building days or educational trips in the great outdoors for those who would benefit most from the immense benefits to physical and mental health, and general welbeing. For a consultation to design a bespoke event to suit your specific needs, please contact Iona on the listed email address.

Media interviews and speaking engagements:

Iona is a confident and informed public speaker, and has experience both speaking in front of groups and doing interviews for magazines, radio and guest appearances on podcasts. To discuss what you are looking for, please email, or use the contact form below.

Identification tutorial videos.

Last but not least, Iona makes regular identification videos for plants and fungi for our youtube channel. These not only give ou a chance to get an idea of her teaching style, but also serve as excellent recaps after a course, as well as being a good introduction to foraging. Do subscribe using the link above on the left, there is a huge body of work already there, and more being added all the time.