Beginner-friendly to forage now
Mist-covered mornings, bare hedgerows, and the quiet hum of the earth preparing for rest — November is the month of roots, evergreen scents, and secret mushrooms.
Wood Blewit (Lepista nuda)
- Pale lilac mushrooms found in leaf litter and woodland edges.
- Fragrant, mild flavour — best cooked.
- Avoid similar Cortinarius species (toxic).
- Fry with butter or add to creamy pasta.
- Only pick when fully identified.
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
- Small creeping plant with round leaves and minty scent.
- Found in hedgerows and woodland paths year-round.
- Makes a refreshing herbal tea for colds.
- Use sparingly — strong flavour!
- Great addition to soups and broths.
Angelica
- Sweet aromatic root with soft liquorice notes.
- Harvest in second-year plants before frost.
- Traditionally candied or used in herbal tonics.
- Supports digestion and warmth in cold months.
- Avoid confusion with toxic hemlock (check purple stems).
Scotsch Pine
- Gather fresh green needles for tea or syrup.
- Vitamin C rich and respiratory-supporting.
- Excellent for winter energy and clarity.
- Avoid yew look-alikes (deadly toxic).
- Can also be infused in salt or vinegar.
Quick kitchen ideas
Delicate mushroom flavour with garlic and cream — cozy and filling.
Simple herbal projects
Ground Ivy Throat Tea – soothing and antibacterial.
Pine Needle Bath Soak – uplifting winter ritual.
Dandelion Root Tincture – liver and skin support.
Mushroom Salt Blend – ground dried blewit + sea salt.
Market & garden (in season now)
Veg: leeks, kale, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, turnips.
Fruit: quinces, medlars, late apples, stored pears.
Herbs: parsley, thyme, sage (still green in mild weather).
With kids
- Leaf-crown craft – make woodland crowns from fallen leaves.
- Mud kitchen soups – play with safe herbs, seeds, and rainwater.
Pine cone feeders – fill with nut butter & seeds for birds.
Safety & etiquette
Check all mushrooms carefully — use multiple sources for ID.
Avoid harvesting roots in protected areas.
Always leave part of the plant to regrow.
Don’t gather near roadsides or polluted soil.
Be respectful — forage with gratitude, not greed.
Looking ahead to next month
Spruce tips, pine and fir for teas and winter crafts.
Time to make evergreen wreaths and fire cider.
Start drying orange slices, cinnamon, and apple rings for Yule.
Collect holly and ivy with care — leave berries for birds.