Written with beginners in mind, AoF member Andy Hamilton’s new book The First Time Forager published by the National Trust is a great  foraging guide for beginners, and handy to have with you in your basket or bag when out foraging. Here, AoF member Sam Webster reviews the book after a few jaunts taking it outdoors for action. 

I really like it how it focuses on the most common and easy to recognise species, which is something I always tell beginner foragers to do:don’t over complicate things by trying to learn to much too quickly, get to know a few things really well, learn their habitat, look-alikes and their uses before learning more species. Andy’s book is perfect for this.There’s a great reference section for a quick check on id features and look-alikes which is great in the field, and a more in-depth detailed description for when you’ve got a little more time at home to sit and learn about what you’ve found.

I also really love the photos in the book. I’ve been taking it with me on my guided forays and showing my beginner foragers what the plant will look like later on in the year when it’s in flower or fruiting. The pictures are a good size and show the details and key features for identification which is really useful for beginners

There is also a great selection of recipes in the book, some of Andy’s own creation and others kindly shared by other foragers. This gives a really nice vibe and shows the wonderful sense of community and sharing that many foragers have, especially those joined by membership with the Association of Foragers.

I’ve found inspiration in this book. I might do nettle spanakopita at my next forage and cook, and I look forward to integrating more of his writing through the seasons. Overall this is  a great beginner book, and for those working professionally as foragers a fantastic teaching resource.