Adventure group – Foraging walk

October 1, 2023 U3A Webmaster 234 Views adventure, interest groups

This autumn we’ll be going back to nature to have a go at foraging. Read all about it here.

Nature of activity	Foraging walk with Wild and Curious Foraging
Name of u3a organiser and organiser’s contact details	Miggie, email via: adventure@u3a.dawlish.info
Location of activity	The Dartington Estate near Totnes.
Date and start time	31st October 2023 10:30am Please aim to arrive there about 15 minutes before the start time.
Duration	Up to 2hrs 30mins.
Cost	£25 per person for a minimum of eight people.
Cost includes	“Foraging walks include in depth meetings with a minimum of 10 edible, medicinal and poisonous plants, often many more. You will experience and learn: • How to correctly and safely identify wild plants • Plant folklore, historical and modern day uses for food and medicine • Sustainable and appropriate harvesting • How to prepare plants for culinary and medicinal use • Plant intelligence and communication • How foraging practice contributes to health and wellbeing • Tasters of handcrafted wild refreshments”
Deadline for commitment	Please notify Miggie by Wednesday 11th October if you wish to attend.
How and when to pay	Please pay a deposit of £10 to secure your place by Wednesday 11th October. Please pay the balance of £15 to D&D u3a by Wednesday 25th October. D&D bank details are as follows: Name of bank: NatWest Name of Account: Dawlish & District u3a Sort code: 52-30-22 Account No: 34078967 Reference: Adventure Please note, it is really important that you add the reference so our Treasurer knows what the funds are for. Cheque payments: Bank transfers are much preferred but if you wish to pay by cheque please ensure the Treasurer has your cheque in sufficient time for it to clear by the deadline.
Cancellation policy	Individual cancellation after 11th October will result in loss of full payment unless someone can be found to take your place. If you are unable to attend please notify Miggie as soon as possible.
Procedure for notifying group if provider cancels	Cancellation due to adverse weather will only happen if the conditions pose a danger to health and safety. In other words, if its a bit damp the foraging walk will go ahead! The walk leader will make a decision the day before and in the event of cancellation Miggie will send an email to all those who have booked and update the details on the website. Please check the website on the morning of the activity in case of last minute cancellation. Please note, if this happens, we will try to rearrange the walk for a later date.
Level of fitness required or any particular skills (you must satisfy yourself that you are physically able to participate in the activity).	The walk will be up to 2.5 hours and will cover uneven ground. It will also involve a lot of standing around.
Personal medical conditions	If you have any medical conditions that might affect your ability to join in with this activity then you should declare this to the instructor on arrival. If you have any allergies that may be relevant please notify Miggie asap so the walk leader can allow for these in planning the walking route.
Disclaimer	Please note that whilst the u3a organisers are concerned for everyone’s welfare, by taking part in this activity you should recognise that your safety is your own responsibility.
Equipment provided	Portable stools are available if requested in advance. Please let Miggie know if you require one of these.
Appropriate footwear & clothing	The walk leader advises: “Plenty of weather appropriate layers (enough to keep comfortable whilst standing or sitting outside), waterproofs, long trousers, sturdy waterproof boots or shoes.” If cold then bring gloves too. If you wish to take notes, don’t forget a pen and notepad.
Toilet / refreshment facilities	Toilets and refreshments will be available near the meeting point but not on the walk itself. Please bring your own water and snacks if required.
Storage of personal belongings	Leave valuables at home or in your car.
Getting there	The Dartington Estate is best reached by car although Totnes railway station is a taxi ride away.
Meeting point	Our walk leader says: “Meeting Location – Adjacent to Public loos (next to Dartington Visitor Centre), Dartington Lane, TQ9 6EL We’ll meet next to the public loos, by the visitor centre, at the top of Dartington estate here’s the exact map link: google maps location. Here is the What Three Words location: https://w3w.co/painters.aware.dissolves (What Three Words gives a 3×3 metre grid location, anywhere)”
Public transport and car parking	There are two main car parks next to our meeting location. The car park charges are currently £2.50 for 3 hours, £3.50 for 4 hours and £6 for all day parking. If you require or can offer a lift then please contact Miggie who will make the necessary arrangements.
Risk assessment	Wild and Curious have conducted a risk assessment for walks on the Dartington Estate. It is recommended that you read this. Please find it here. Any questions? Just get in touch via email: adventure@u3a.dawlish.info .

Last updated 29/10/23