HIGHLIGHTING Scotland’s natural larder of wild food, Foraging Fortnight will place across the country from September 11 to 25.

From riverside foraging walks and fungi forays to wild food workshops and topical talks and demos, the festival is intended to help people increase their knowledge and use of wild food and medicinal plants.

Coordinated this year by NatureScot and the SRUC, the fortnight will feature a range of free and paid-for events hosted by wild food-based businesses, for people of all ages to participate safely and responsibly.

NatureScot's Becky Shaw said: “Foraging responsibly is a great way to spend time outdoors, enjoying nature. No matter where you live, you’re likely not far from tasty foraged food. We’re delighted to be hosting Foraging Fortnight this year, with so many interesting and innovative businesses and wild food experts sharing their knowledge and skills.”

Food and Enterprise Sector Manager at SAC Consulting, Ceri Ritchie, added: “This event highlights our natural environment and we recognise the value this can bring to rural food and drink and food tourism enterprises, providing the opportunity to create something unique and inspiring by building the natural environment, heritage and sustainability into a product and service offering.”

The festival aims to leave a legacy of increased public awareness and expertise of sustainable foraging, along with a greater understanding of the health and wellbeing benefits of foraging in natural environments.

Foraging Fortnight events will encourage following Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code and organisers have put together guidelines to ensure that those taking part are doing so in a safe and responsible way.

The full programme is available at www.foragingfortnight.co.uk