Urban Foraging

Come Foraging
With The Mandem

Discover the wild foods growing all around your local area with our climate change initiative in partnership with Manchester Climate Change Agency & In Our Nature. Learn to identify, gather and enjoy seasonal foods whilst making a positive impact on our environment. We encourage the community to reconnect with nature, reduce food miles, and share knowledge—all whilst having a proper laugh together.

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Community, Climate & Creativity

It's More Than Just Finding Food

Forage With The Mandem is a platform we've created in partnership with Manchester Climate Change Agency & In Our Nature. We've developed this resource to help you discover the abundance of wild foods growing in your local green spaces. This climate change initiative connects you with sustainable foraging spots, guides, and identification tools—all accessible right from your device. Explore our interactive maps to find nearby locations, learn to identify edible plants safely, and transform your finds with our recipe collection. No previous experience required, just curiosity and internet connection. This is a community for everyone, designed to help you reconnect with nature on your own terms.

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Discover Foraging
Locations

Find wild foods growing near you with our interactive map. Discover seasonal spots for berries, herbs, mushrooms and more, with each location showing what to look for and when to visit. From city parks to canal paths, we've identified places to forage safely and responsibly.

Find Some
Wicked Recipes

Transform your foraged finds into delicious meals with our seasonal recipes. From nettle soups to elderflower cordials, we've got simple, tasty ideas for whatever you collect. Each recipe includes clear instructions and tips to make the most of your wild harvest.

Foraged Fruit Compote

Wild Garlic Butter

Pine Needle Tea

Nettle Tea

Wild Mint Iced Tea

Wild Berry Smoothie

Wild Garlic Cheese Toastie

Blackberry Overnight Oats

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Guides &
Resources

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Top 10 Foraging Spots in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester offers a surprising abundance of foraging opportunities, from urban parks to hidden waterways and woodland edges. This guide highlights the top 10 locations where wild food enthusiasts can find a diverse range of edible plants throughout the seasons. Each location has its unique character and plant communities, offering different foraging experiences as the year progresses. Whether you're a beginner looking for easily identifiable berries or a more experienced forager seeking seasonal variety, these spots provide accessible and rewarding foraging within reach of the city centre. Remember to always forage responsibly, taking only what you need and leaving plenty for wildlife and other foragers.

How Urban Foraging Can Help Combat Climate Change

Foraging isn't just about free food or connecting with nature—it's also a powerful way to contribute to climate resilience and environmental sustainability. In our age of climate crisis, the simple act of gathering wild foods in and around Manchester can have surprisingly far-reaching positive impacts. From reducing carbon footprints to promoting biodiversity and strengthening community resilience, foraging represents a small but meaningful way to be part of the solution. This guide explores how your urban foraging practice contributes to climate action and broader environmental goals, helping you understand the deeper significance of this seemingly simple activity.

Urban Foraging for Herbal Remedies: Manchester's Medicinal Plants

Manchester's urban landscape is home to numerous plants that have been used medicinally for centuries. This guide introduces you to common plants with therapeutic properties that can be safely foraged and prepared as simple home remedies. Understanding these traditional plant remedies connects us to historical knowledge while providing sustainable healthcare options. We'll cover safe identification, proper harvesting techniques, and basic preparations like teas, tinctures, and salves. Remember that this guide is educational – always consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally, especially for specific health conditions or if taking medication.

Foolproof Foraging: Ten Easy-to-Identify Plants for Beginners

New to foraging and worried about making identification mistakes? This guide focuses exclusively on ten edible plants found throughout Manchester that are virtually impossible to confuse with harmful look-alikes. Each plant has distinctive features that make identification straightforward, even for complete beginners. We've selected plants that are abundant, nutritious, and useful in everyday cooking, providing you with the perfect starting point for your foraging journey. By mastering these ten species first, you'll build confidence and core identification skills that will serve as a foundation for expanding your foraging repertoire.

We'd Love Your Contributions!

Got a secret foraging spot or a cracking recipe? Share your knowledge with our community. Whether it's a new location, a tasty way to use wild ingredients, or helpful resources, your contributions make this platform better for everyone. We're building a living library of foraging wisdom that grows with each submission—just like the plants we harvest. Your local insights could help someone discover the joy of finding their first wild blackberries or safely identify edible mushrooms.

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All Of The Activities That We Host Are FREE To Attend!

Come Foraging
With The Mandem