This archive brings together practical, experience-led articles from The Backyard Farmer, covering gardening, DIY, indoor growing, foraging, reviews, and sustainable living. Each post is written with real-world use in mind — focusing on working with nature, building practical skills, and making sustainable choices more accessible.
If your walks are all about harvesting food, then the Barebones Harvesting & Gathering Bag could be the bag for you. Quite simply, it’s designed for foraging – no more berries all over the ground when you bend over to ID a tasty-looking leaf. In
Introduction: Herbs & Heresy — From Witch Hunts to Big Pharma The Roots of Herbal Medicine For centuries, the history of herbal medicine has shaped human survival. Herbal remedies and natural medicine formed the backbone of healthcare long before modern pharmaceuticals. Village midwives, hedge‑row healers,
Introduction Looking for a UK foraging calendar that’s actually enjoyable to read — and tells you what to look for month by month? Wondering if The Forager’s Calendar by John Wright is the right seasonal foraging guide to add to your wild food library? Whether
Hawthorn berries, or haws, are the red autumn fruits of hawthorn trees commonly found in UK hedgerows, woodland edges and field boundaries. They’re edible when correctly identified and have traditionally been used for jellies, syrups, teas and preserves. This guide covers how to identify hawthorn,
Introduction Collecting firewood can be a rewarding way to save money, stay warm, and enjoy the great outdoors. However, following legal tips for collecting firewood is essential to avoid fines, protect the environment, and ensure your own safety. It’s not as simple as picking up
Find the Best Foraging Book for Your Wild Food Adventures in the UK Looking for the best foraging books (UK) to help you explore nature’s larder? To guide your outdoor adventures, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re just starting out and spotting your first
A dedicated foraging bag keeps your hands free and makes muddy, damp or delicate finds easier to carry than a normal rucksack. The Barebones Harvesting & Gathering Bag is the strongest all-round option here, while the Earth Biome Waxed Canvas and Mesh Foraging Bag is
Totally Wild is a company in the United Kingdom that offer educational services in foraging for wild foods in the UK. They are an experienced and reputable company set up by founder James Wood, a keen forager. Who founded ‘Totally Wild’? James Wood founded Totally Wild
Foraging in the UK is a rewarding way to connect with nature and discover seasonal wild food. From blackberries and nettles to wild garlic and edible fungi, there is something to find throughout much of the year. This beginner’s guide explains where you can forage,
Introduction Foraging is making a comeback—and it’s easy to see why. With more people turning to sustainable living and seeking ways to reconnect with the outdoors, edible plants in the UK offer an abundant, free, and often overlooked source of nutrition. Whether you’re wandering along