Bovey Castle, recently named Large Hotel of the Year by VisitEngland, is hosting a series of outdoor events as part of PoB Hotels’ Blooming Britain programme. Among these offerings is 'The Wild Larder: A Foraging Walk and Lunch,' led by expert forager Tom Radford.
The program aims to spotlight the natural surroundings and offers guests a chance to learn about edible plants and their uses. Radford, who guides participants through the hotel's grounds, educates them on identifying safe-to-eat flora and emphasizes the dangers of poisonous plants, such as hemlock.
"The most dangerous plant is hemlock. It can easily be mistaken for hogweed, which is not risky - 200 years ago, you had to know this stuff or you would die," Radford stated. Participants learn about plants like Herb Robert, useful as a natural insect repellent, and ivy, which can be made into soap. Some common weeds are also highlighted for their diuretic properties, beneficial for kidney issues.
Beyond plant identification, the experience includes hands-on activities such as planting apple and pear trees. The foraging walk culminates in a meal inspired by the day's discoveries. This culinary experience features dishes like sea bass and tomato tart with locally sourced pesto, followed by Dartmoor lamb with wild garlic, and a white chocolate mousse decorated with edible flowers and meadowsweet.
Radford stresses that foraging should complement, not replace, traditional food sources, advocating for a harmonious relationship with the environment. The experience is part of a broader initiative by PoB Hotels to promote engagement with the outdoors, with future events including garden tours and floral workshops.
Foraging walks and lunches are scheduled at various PoB Hotels locations throughout June. Additional Blooming Britain events, including seasonal flower workshops and garden tours, are planned for July and September at Bovey Castle and other properties. More information is available on the pobhotels.com website.
