Enjoy a taste of the wild at Glenarm Nature Reserve

Uncover the magical world of edible plants on Saturday, May 7 at Ulster Wildlife's Glenarm Nature Reserve.
Wild garlicWild garlic
Wild garlic

Find out what is good to eat and what is not in our hedgerows and woodlands this spring.

From 10am to 1pm, local botanist Dermot Hughes from Forage Ireland will lead a guided foray around this hidden woodland gem – not normally open to the public – revealing which plants can be eaten raw or cooked up into delicious recipes.

“Glenarm Nature Reserve is a fabulous place for a spring visit and a real gem for sourcing food that’s free and full of goodness,” said Dermot.

“Along with a profusion of wild garlic and other wildflowers, there are woodland delicacies such as pignut and wood sorrel, and we might even be lucky enough to discover wild morels - odd-looking fungi that pop up in spring. It’s also a good time to look for plants to re-visit in the autumn for their fruits, such as hazel, crab apple and blackthorn.”

As well as edible plants, Glenarm is a great spot to see spring birds such as mistle thrush, blackcap, willow warbler, chiff chaff and dippers. Butterflies will also be putting on a show like the colourful small tortoiseshell and speckled wood.

The event costs £5 per person- free for Ulster Wildlife members, and booking is essential. Contact Ulster Wildlife on 028 9046 3126 or email [email protected] to book a place.