Foraging in towns and cities

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Posted at 12:02PM, 21 September 2011 by Sally-Jayne Wright - Food writer

If you don't have a garden and can't get an allotment, you can still experience the pleasure of picking Autumn's glut of apples and pears. And it's free.

Unlike foragers who gather free food from the wild, urban harvesters pick fruit on private land. Each year, in cities, hundreds of fruit trees in private gardens and public spaces go unpicked because the owner can't do it or nobody bothers.

Abundance is a project to harvest the seasonal glut of local fruit. With the tree owner or council's permission, volunteers pick fruit, give an agreed amount to the owner, then share out the rest. They also make jams, jellies, chutneys and juices and sell surplus fruit to restaurants and shops on a non-profit basis. Money raised goes back into the project or to local charities.

Why do it?

Reduce food waste
Get a taste of country life even if you live in a high-rise flat
Be more aware of the seasons and where your food comes from
Taste fruits you usually can't buy at the supermarket such as Worcester Pearmains and Keswick Codlings and increase your food knowledge
Enjoy unsprayed fruit at its seasonal best, full of flavour and nutrition
Help elderly gardeners physically unable to pick fruit themselves
Show your kids where food comes from
Have a cheap, fun day out in leafy surroundings
Get inspired. I turned my spoils into Summer pudding, Apple cake, Tarte tatin, compote and Apple flapjack crumble
It's free!

How to get involved
There are Abundance projects in Chiswick, Haringey, Brixton, Hackney, Sheffield and Manchester. The organiser sends you an email about two days before a pick. You don't get much notice because it depends when the fruit ripens and which day suits the owners.

What to bring
Sensible shoes, old clothes, a hat, plastic washing-up basins, boxes and large, strong shopping bags.

What you'll be picking
The 2011 season is six weeks earlier than usual because of the warm spring. In September, expect to be picking apples, pears, quinces and grapes.

Look out for
Abundance London's Fruit Festival on 1st October, 2011 at St Michael's All Angels, (Turnham Green tube).

Comments

Elaine

27 September 2011, 6:19AM
Elaine

This is very inspiring - good to know that not so much fruit will go to waste, especially in this abundant year. Everywhere I look, trees and hedgerows have been been bursting with fruit

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Claire

27 September 2011, 12:04PM
Claire

Thanks for this Sally. I think this is a fantastic initiative - definitely keen to get involved. I miss having my own fruit trees, so this is a great way to 'pick-your' own.

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Mr Scott

11 October 2011, 12:55PM
Mr Scott

Callng out for a Newcastle one!

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