Wild Edibles Foraging Workshop with Diego Bonetto

Take a walk with Diego and discover the edible and medicinal plants living around you.

You will never look at weeds in the same way again after taking part in this workshop.
Join wild food expert Diego Bonetto on a 2.5-hour stroll in the park and learn about the most common edible and medicinal plants that surround us all.
This workshop will give insights into the abundance of edibles in Wynyard at this time of the year. Typical species we will talk about include dandelion, sowthistle, ironweed, flatweed, farmers friends, mallow and peppercress.

You will learn stories of plant resilience woven with cultural trivia, migrant perspectives, and native wisdom. We will discuss the role weeds play in repairing and building soil and you will find out how they have been used for food, craft, and natural remedies. Most importantly, you will discover ways to safely harvest from the local 'wild' and enrich your diet with vitamins and minerals.

This workshop is designed to provide participants with solid skills in plant identification, re-learning old stories while paying respect to public and ancient resources.

Each participant will receive a booklet detailing 16 of the most common wild edibles.

People can come on the day with samples of weedy plants they have in their garden for possible ID.

About your host:
Diego is an edible weed 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> or Better Homes and Gardens here>

Frequent Asked Questions

Are we going to be harvesting plants? No, we will learn about plants. We will only collect a few 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 so that when you go back home you can recognise with confidence some useful plants in your own garden/surroundings.

Are we going to scramble in the wilderness? No, no bush-bashing. We will walk on even ground and sometimes might walk up a grass field, that's it. Bring your walking shoes and you will be fine.

Is this suitable for less mobile people? Unfortunately, this particular workshop is not suitable for less mobile people. 

Can we try the plants? Yes, I will offer samples of the plants 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, 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? 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 the species when they are at their best. If heavy rain or strong wind are forecasted, I will cancel the workshop and advise the day before for alternative arrangements.

Can I ask specific questions on 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.

Testimonials

“Hello Diego,
I just wanted to thank you for the great workshop on Saturday, I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to pursuing this more. It is certainly astonishing to think how ignorant most of us are of all of this opportunity around us.... I’m constantly looking at my feet now to see if I can spot any edible weeds!
Thank you for making it a fun morning.”
— Georgia 2016

“Thank you so much, Diego, for your storytelling, knowledge and good humour .you have made it easy to remember. We really enjoyed spending time today learning about this country and the plants that live with us. I am fired up to learn more and try some new tastes.
Thank you for giving back some lost culture and we entirely agree that whatever resources we have would be better used than destroyed.
I will recommend you to everyone.”
— Sarah and Greg 2018

“Diego - you were so passionate about weeds, and it really caused us to step back and think about what we consume and why. I love your attitude of using our resources sustainably, and delving into using plants beneficial to us, that most people ignore. You made the journey lots of fun.”
— Bronwyn and Grant  2021