Kersal Dale
About this spot
Kersal Dale occupies around 32 hectares of countryside and forms part of the Croal Irwell Valley. The area known as The Cliff is connected to Kersal Dale woodlands, with paths leading past the ruins of large houses which were built to make the most of its setting. Now visitors can listen to the bird song and look for wildlife in the variety of well maintained habitats which can be found in this very attractive site. Habitats include woodland (70%), open water (5%), marsh (5%) and semi-natural grassland (20%).
Forage safely
The basics, before you pick anything. This guide shows you where to look. It is not a field guide, and it cannot tell you what is safe to eat.
- If in doubt, leave it outOnly eat something you can identify with complete certainty. A photo, an app or this guide is not enough on its own.
- Mushrooms need an expertSome of the UK’s deadliest mushrooms look very like edible ones. Never eat a wild mushroom until someone experienced has checked it in person.
- Check you are allowedSome nature reserves and protected sites do not allow foraging. Never dig a plant up by the roots without the landowner’s permission.
- Take a little, leave plentyPick where there is lots of it, take only what you will use, and leave the rest for wildlife and the next person.
- Pick clean, wash wellAvoid roadsides, sprayed verges and anywhere dogs are walked. Wash everything before you eat it.
If someone feels unwell after eating something foraged, call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency. Keep a sample of what was eaten.
