As Mandem Meetup, we've always been about supporting men's mental health and wellbeing. Now, we're branching out with this brand new Urban Foraging initiative, launched in partnership with Manchester Climate Change Agency and In Our Nature. Manchester's got more to offer than just brick and concrete – there's green gold in these streets and parks if you know where to look. This project is about encouraging everyone to explore the natural bounty around us, while promoting wellbeing and community connection through outdoor activity.
Come as you are, you're welcome here – whether you're a seasoned forager who can identify every mushroom in Greater Manchester or someone who's never picked anything wilder than a supermarket apple.
This new project brings urban foraging to everyone in Manchester and beyond. No gatekeeping, no judgment, just sharing knowledge that should belong to all of us.
While Mandem Meetup has always focused on creating spaces for men's wellbeing, this foraging initiative extends our mission to the wider community. It's about connecting people with nature right on their doorstep, regardless of experience or background. When you discover what edible treasures grow in your neighbourhood, you see your environment differently. You care more about protecting it. And you might save a few quid on shopping too.
In a world disconnected from our food sources, foraging brings us back to basics. It's radical in its simplicity – food doesn't have to come wrapped in plastic from a supermarket.
For mental wellbeing, there's nothing like the mindfulness of picking wild garlic in spring or blackberries in late summer. It slows you down. Makes you notice things. Gets you out in all weathers.Foraging is also part of our heritage – knowledge that's been slipping away with each generation. We're preserving skills that humans have had for thousands of years.
This is for everyone – beginners, food lovers, experienced foragers, families looking for free activities, chefs wanting local ingredients, or anyone connecting with nature while living in the city.
We especially welcome those who might not typically see themselves in traditional outdoorsy spaces. The natural world belongs to all of us, and so does the right to enjoy it. Whether you're from Oldham or Stockport, Moss Side or Moston – if you're curious about finding and using what grows wild around Manchester, this is for you.
We're building a complete toolkit to help you discover, identify and enjoy Manchester's wild food, all with a community-minded approach:
Whatever brings you to foraging – the free food, connecting with nature, or just fancying something different to do at the weekend – you'll find your place here.This project, like everything at Mandem Meetup, is built on community. We're learning as we go, so bear with us, contribute where you can, and let's rediscover what's been growing around us all along.Come as you are. You're welcome here.
