SOUTH COAST SEASIDE FORAGING WORKSHOP

Ever walked along the coastline and wondered about all of those plants, seaweed, and seafood?
Are they edible? How do you harvest them? How do you positively identify them? Are you allowed to collect them?

Join Sydney forager Diego Bonetto on a 3-hour workshop learning the what, where, and how of collecting a meal from the seashore.

Diego is an edible weeds advocate renowned for his offering of urban foraging workshops. Building on the knowledge acquired while growing up on a farm in Italy, Diego introduces people to the ever-present food and medicine plants that surround us. He collaborates extensively with chefs, herbalists, environmentalists, and cultural workers promoting a new understanding of what the environment has to offer. Diego is the author of the best-selling book, Eat Weeds.
Check a media review of Diego's works here> and his Gardening Australia segment here> , and the appearance on Better Homes and Garden here>

Typical species we will discuss on the walk include beach mustard, golden kelp, sea lettuce, marsh pennyworth, rock samphire, plantain, dandelion, sowthistle, and more.

WHAT WILL WE DO?
We will take a walk along Sharkies Beach in Coledale and learn about the most common edible seaweeds, coastal wild food, seaside plants and their uses from an indigenous and cosmopolitan perspective.
We will touch on issues of legal restrictions, ecology and fragility of ecosystems, stewardship and care for the land and sea.

This is an informative workshop designed to empower people with identification skills. Participants will receive material on the day and follow-up links so as to progress with their own research. The knowledge is old and widespread and this learning experience will empower participants by giving them a chance to meet, touch, smell and even taste the plants and seaweeds.  Always eat in small amounts as a start.

This is a family-friendly stroll by the sea. Dress for the weather and bring your camera and notebook if you wish to retain the information. We time this workshop to coincide with low tide, however, venturing onto the rock platform can be slippery and will depend on wave conditions.

As part of the workshop, you will be issued a booklet detailing the most common edibles and notes on edible seaweeds. You will also receive follow-up information about the plants we actually talk about in the workshop.

WHEN: Saturday, January 25, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

WHERE: Meet at the shelter at the south end of Sharkies Beach.

COST:
Adult $70
Concession/Child/Underemployed $50
Friends in Forage ( two adults) $120
Children up to 5 years old FREE

Please get in contact if you cannot afford these prices as we have a sponsorship program.

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE FINALISING YOUR BOOKING.

This is an all-weather event. We will only cancel the outing in case of heavy rain or dangerously gusty winds, via email and phone call two days before the date, offering a place on another tour. 

Refund Policy: Due to the nature of the event, we will not issue any refunds for unused tickets sold. Please make sure you are available to attend before you finalise your booking. 

Reschedule Policy: If you need to reschedule we can offer you a Gift Voucher up to four weeks (4) before the event. This voucher can be used against any workshop of the same value and is valid for three years. If less than four weeks’ notice is given you can pass on the ticket to someone else.

Frequent Asked Questions

Are we going to be harvesting plants and seaweeds?
No, we will learn about plants and seaweeds. We will only collect a few samples, leaves and flowers here and there and with those, we will discuss ID features. The main aim of the workshop is to empower you with identification skills, learn about ethics and legalities and then you will know how and what to do.

Is this suitable for elderly people or less mobile people?
No, this workshop happens along a beach. It s easily accessible but not suitable for people with mobility issues. That said, we will not walk far, only about one kilometre, and it will take us hours to do it, so plenty of rest along the way.

Can we try the plants and seaweeds?
Yes, I will offer samples of the plants and seaweeds we talk about for you to try. I believe taste memories are just as important as touch, smell and look.

Can I come with my dog?
No, sorry, unfortunately, this workshop is not suitable for your pet.

Can I bring the weeds from my garden for you to identify?
Yes please, I love to help to identify treasures growing in your yard!

What if it looks like it’s going to rain on the day?
Rain is good, and we do not get enough of it in this country. If there is a chance of rain I will let you know and we will go ahead, just bring an umbrella. Plants are so much happier when it rains, it will be the chance for you to look at species when they are at their best. If it is scheduled to rain hard or strong wind I will cancel the workshop and either refund your ticket or move your booking to another date.

What if I change my mind or can no longer attend?
Please make sure you can attend before finalising your booking. I understand that unexpected events happen, so in case you can no longer come, pass on your ticket to a friend. See this as when you buy a concert ticket. If you cannot go anymore, give a present to someone you know who would enjoy it.

Can I ask specific questions during the workshop?
Absolutely. I love questions and if you have any burning ones just let me know in advance or on the day and I will endeavour to provide you with answers or follow up with links that would help in your quest.

I acknowledge the D’harawal people as the original custodians of the land where this workshop will take place, and pay my respect to elders past, present and future.
Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.