The New Year will be a boon for foraging enthusiasts in Moray, with the news of the return of a popular Foraging Fortnight festival.
The inaugural event, which took place in August and September, included 24 events across the region.
With almost 300 people joining in the foraging fun, the festival proved a big hit with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Now, the organisers behind Foraging Fortnight have planned a fresh and expanded programme of events for 2020.
The outdoor festival is supported by Leader, as part of the Scottish Government’s six-year Scottish Rural Development Programme and Scottish Natural Heritage.
The aim of the initiative is to encourage everyone in the community to put on their wellies and explore the great outdoors.
This year’s festival emphasised the mental health benefits of foraging for the variety of wild plants in Moray and included several Walking for Wellness events in Elgin.
Next year’s programme promises to feature an even bigger range of engaging events and workshops, which will be announced in March.
Moray Leader Development Officer Chris Muir said: “Getting outdoors to reconnect with nature and the seasons is proven to improve both mental wellbeing and physical health and foraging is a fun and accessible way of doing that.
“I am delighted with the success of our first Foraging Fortnight.
“The programme in Moray really showed the widespread benefits of foraging – and it was a way of showcasing the diverse and beautiful landscape of our region.
“I look forward to revealing the line-up for 2020’s Foraging Fortnight in the spring and am sure it will capture the imagination of people across Moray and beyond.”
