I’ve always believed that foraging isn’t just about collecting plants for the animals — it’s about what it gives back to us too.
The other day, I headed out with Taylor to gather fresh forage. The plan was simple: take it slow, enjoy the time outside, and see what we could find. But as anyone with a busy life knows, even the calmest plans can start to feel pressured. Impatience set in before we’d even left the house, and I caught myself wondering if it was worth going at all.
It was.
The moment we started walking and I began scanning the hedgerows, everything else faded. We found hawthorn branches heavy with just-ripening berries, giant willow herb with its soft seed heads, and damsons hiding in the shade. Taylor filled a bucket with plums and damsons for jam-making — her own little project that now has her excited for the next “bored” day.
Foraging is my reset button. The act of searching, selecting, and bringing nature home slows my thoughts and grounds me. And that calm carries over into the blends I make for Guinea Gourmet Treats.
When your animals nibble on dried linden pods, crunch through hawthorn leaves, or pick over apple twigs, they’re not just eating — they’re engaging their senses, exploring textures, and connecting to the natural behaviours that keep them happy and healthy.
Seasonal forage isn’t just food. It’s enrichment. It’s variety. It’s a way to make every mealtime a little adventure. And for me, each bag of forage carries the memory of where it came from — the day it was picked, the smell in the air, the people I shared the moment with.
That’s why I forage the way I do. For their health, for their happiness… and sometimes, for my own peace of mind.
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