Herb walks are perhaps best approached without expectation, you never quite know what you might find, or where the discussion might lead.
Who goes on a herb walk?
Herb walks attract people who are interested in plants and want to know more about those that can be found in the local area. All are welcome, though you’ll need to be able to stand for a while, potentially manage on uneven terrain, and happy to listen and chat.
Unlike a botanist’s walk where you’d be down on hands and knees with a magnifying glass identifying rarities and sub-species; on a herb walk you’re more likely to be looking at fairly common plants, those that grow in abundance, discussing their various uses or the folk lore and local customs surrounding them.
Leaders
One of the things that distinguishes a Herb Walk from an ordinary stroll is that it will be led by someone who’s there to point out plants along the way.
They won’t be talking about every single plant, but rather those they choose to highlight, big or small. They’ll be able to tell you about what you’re looking at, how to be confident recognising it again, and why it’s special.
You might expect a plant walk leader to be an expert in their field (or at least in the field you’re standing in!). You’re more likely to find they consider themselves a student of plants as much as you may be. They’ll be happy to share what they know, while always observing and looking to learn something new.
Walk
If a ‘walk’ to you means hiking up hill and down dale, you may find a herb walk a little sedentary. You see, herbs often cluster together, so in just a short space there will be plenty to talk about. It’s not unusual for an hour to go by on a herb walk with only a few meters of ground covered.
Alternatively, when there’s a particular herb in mind, it could involve somewhat of a ramble to get there. Not everything is on the beaten track.
Have a check in the description of the herb walk so you have a idea of what you’re in for. It’s always advisable to wear sturdy footwear, and clothing suited to the weather.
What to bring?
So long as you’re prepped for being outdoors, you can simply turn up as you are, you don’t need to bring anything special to enjoy a herb walk.
You may choose to bring a notebook or camera so you can remember the plants and discussion. If it’s a sunny day, water, suncream and a hat are also a good idea as you may be stood out for while.
How long will the walk last?
Most herb walks last less than an hour, possibly longer if they involve more walking, or more talking – which may depend on who’s in the group. There will typically be a scheduled time but do let the walk leader know if you have any restrictions so they can be sure to get you back in time. If necessary, you can leave the walk early, but you’ll be responsible for finding your way back, so do keep an eye on the route.
Am I there to listen or talk?
Whoever’s leading the walk will be doing most of the talking, but it’s always interesting to hear from others too. So if you’ve experience of a plant to share, or a question to ask, please join in the conversation. Sometimes plants can bring out some fascinating stories and they’re often what we remember most from a walk.
Are we just talking and looking or can we touch?
Depending on the plants you encounter, your walk leader may well encourage you touch leaves or bark, or smell a plant, especially if it helps you recognise its distinguishing features. Occasionally they may encourage you taste something, but only if they are sure it’s safe for you to do so. They may also warn you when things shouldn’t be touched or eaten. There is no requirement to do this if you don’t want to, and if you do have any allergies or other concerns, please let the walk leader know.
One thing we don’t typically do on a herb walk is gather. We may well learn what to look for and what to do with plants that can be gathered, but there won’t necessarily be time for gathering scheduled into the walk itself. Of course there are exceptions to this, some herb walks are designed specifically to gather, and may be followed by a workshop or kitchen session using your fresh ingredients, but this should be clear before you sign up.
How do I find out when a herb walk is taking place?
Look out for herb walks advertised locally on noticeboards, and also sign up for the Cotswold Herb Centre newsletter. We’ll include details of any taking place within reach-able distance.
Some herb walks are just turn-up events, however often the organisers will take sign-ups in advance, that way they know who and how many people to expect, and can let you know if weather changes plans.
Do I have to pay to go on a herb walk?
Wherever the herb walk is advertised, it should also detail any charges. When the walk is being led by a non-expert, there often isn’t a charge, or it may be a small charge or charitable donation. When the walk is being led by an expert with professional knowledge, especially if its part of a workshop, you can expect there to be pre-booking and a charge.
What time of the year do herb walks happen?
Herb walks happen when there are plants to look at. So that can be all year round. There will be different plants to focus on in different seasons. Most activity will happen in the main growing seasons, spring and summer. You’ll especially find people longing to get out and find what’s growing as the shoots start arriving in spring. There’ll also be a lot of juicy things to discover in autumn. Even in winter there are treasures, and a pared back landscape can draw attention to different things, helping you map what to look out for then, or in seasons to come.
Going on a herb walk once a month, either guided or by yourself, can help appreciate the succession of activity in nature. There are always plants coming and going, they never hold centre stage for long. By tuning in and paying regular attention you will get to know what to look for when, and you can be sure the plants will be looking out for you.
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