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FORAGING

As a charity we spend a lot of money, time and effort on our plants so that everyone (people and animals) can enjoy them. To ensure that foraging is carefully managed we require all foragers to obtain written permission before foraging, and to abide by responsible practices when foraging. 

Permits allows us to monitor demand as well as provide clear guidance to foragers. Permission from The Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is required for all foraging and we do enforce this during our patrols.

Please note that we only allow foraging for personal use. No restaurants or commercial foraging is allowed. Chefs can help safeguard the Park by sourcing food responsibly and and avoiding costly penalties. 

We also host a number of foraging courses and tours throughout the year. Please see our Events page for up to date information.

Get your foraging permit
Check our foraging rules

If you forage, we appreciate your support through donations that sustain our conservation work

Donate now

Rules for Responsible Foraging

  1. Obtain Permission: Fill the form below including some species, frequency and amounts you wish to forage. You can call 0203 8982 8670 if you are unable to fill the form.
    Requests can take up to five working days to process.
    Permission is valid for one calendar year and you must reapply each year to continue foraging.
  2. Donate: Planting and replanting involves time, effort and cost. With your support we can keep the cemetery thriving. 
  3. Plan your foraging day: Bring a copy of your permission (printed or on your phone) to show staff if requested.
  4. Forage responsibly: Follow foraging best practices and if in doubt be safe rather than sorry!
    • Leave no trace – avoid trampling other plants.
    • Use sharp clean tools to avoid damaging plants.
    • Only take a small quantity – maximum 150g in total and no more than you intend to consume.
    • Know what you’re picking – wild food is vital for other species, and some species are rare, protected, inedible and/or poisonous!
    • Collect only from plentiful populations, and never remove plants from the root. Do not dig up plants. 

Please note that according to Tower Hamlets Parks byelaws, picking plants is NOT allowed at all. Legally the Cemetery Park and Ackroyd Drive Greenlink are considered Tower Hamlets Parks, so in principle the byelaw still applies. However as a charity we recognise that foraging can provide an important way to connect with nature, and by following our rules and guidance, foragers can find food without damaging the Cemetery Park.

Get Your Foraging Permit

Name
Please include species, frequency and amounts you wish to forage.

Want to learn more about foraging?

Mindful Foraging is a book by our very own Cemetery Park Manager, Ken.
It’s an introductory guide to foraging that encourages readers to engage with nature in a more mindful and sustainable way,  and it’s the perfect accompaniment to the beginning of Spring with great tips for all year round. 

Get the book