Hands-on coastal foraging course featuring edible seaweeds, shoreline plants and practical cookery using the wild flavours of the Devon coast.

Pescatarian, nut-free

Can be adapted to accommodate vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free diets by request

Discover the edible coastline of South Devon. Immerse yourself in the remarkable flavours, landscapes and traditions of Britain's coastline on our Seashore Foraging & Cookery Course at Ground Up Cookery School.

This unique full-day experience begins on the South Devon coast, where you'll join an expert-led guided forage to discover edible seaweeds, coastal plants and, where conditions and regulations allow, shellfish and other shoreline ingredients. You'll learn how to identify wild coastal foods safely and responsibly while gaining an understanding of tides, habitats, sustainability and responsible harvesting.

Whether you're completely new to coastal foraging or looking to deepen your knowledge of edible seashore ingredients, this relaxed and informative course combines practical field skills with professional cookery techniques.

Many coastal foraging courses finish with identifying seaweeds. Ours is just beginning. Once you've discovered the edible treasures of the shoreline, you'll return to Ground Up Cookery School to learn how to transform them into delicious seasonal dishes.

After the forage, we will return to Ground Up Cookery School where you will transform seasonal coastal ingredients into a selection of delicious dishes. Working in pairs, you will prepare recipes designed to showcase the incredible flavours of the shoreline while learning practical techniques that can easily be recreated at home.

The day finishes around our large dining table, where everyone enjoys sharing the dishes together with a glass of wine, discussing the ingredients, techniques and discoveries from the day.

Every course is shaped by the tides, weather and season, making every experience unique.

You will:

During this seashore foraging course you will:

• Learn to identify a variety of edible seaweeds and coastal plants.
• Understand safe, sustainable and responsible coastal foraging.
• Gain an introduction to tides, habitats and seasonal availability.
• Discover how to harvest responsibly while protecting the coastline.
• Prepare seasonal dishes using wild coastal ingredients.
• Learn practical techniques for cooking with seaweeds and other shoreline produce.
• Enjoy a shared meal with fellow guests and take home recipes to recreate at home.

Private groups and team events

This workshop also makes an excellent activity for businesses, Chefs, family celebrations and groups of friends. Whether you're looking for a unique team-building event or a private coastal foraging experience, we can tailor the day to suit your group. Please get in touch to discuss availability and bespoke bookings.

FAQs

Who is this class suitable for?

This coastal foraging course in Devon is ideal for beginners, food lovers, Chefs, walkers, nature enthusiasts, couples, friends and anyone interested in discovering the edible coastline. No previous foraging or cookery experience is required.

How is the day structured?

The day begins with a guided coastal forage at a designated South Devon location before returning to Ground Up Cookery School for a relaxed, hands-on cookery workshop.

Some elements are demonstrated by your chef trainer, while the cooking is carried out in pairs, creating a sociable and supportive learning environment suitable for all abilities.

The day concludes with everyone enjoying all of the dishes together around our dining table with a glass of wine while discussing the ingredients, techniques and discoveries from the day.

Questions are always encouraged and guidance is available throughout both the foraging walk and the cookery session.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

The key dietary details are noted at the top of each course listing, there may be other accommodations that we can make. Please let us know of ALL dietary requirements at the time of booking. We will always aim to accommodate where possible.

Can children attend this course?

Yes, children are welcome as full paying guests.

Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a full paying parent or legal guardian, who remains responsible for them throughout the class.

Young people aged 15–18 may attend without a parent or guardian. A completed parental consent form is required for all attendees aged 15–18. These courses are aimed at adults, and young people must be able to participate independently and behave appropriately without requiring additional supervision.

Please indicate ages at the time of booking.

Do I need to bring anything?

Everything needed for the cookery workshop is provided.

For the morning forage, we recommend sturdy walking boots or wellingtons, weather-appropriate clothing and a container if you wish to take home any leftovers from the afternoon cookery session.

Full joining instructions, including the meeting location in the Dawlish area, will be emailed approximately one week before the course.

Will there be refreshments?

After returning from the morning forage, refreshments will be available before the cookery session begins.

You'll finish the day by enjoying the dishes you've prepared together with a glass of wine. Tea, coffee and biscuits are also available throughout the afternoon for you to help yourself.

Schedules are illustrative and timings/content may vary slightly. End times are given as a guide only. As these are hands-on, experiential courses, timings may vary depending on tides, weather conditions and the pace of the group.

Is the course accessible?

Accessibility needs vary, and we're always happy to discuss individual requirements in advance.

The coastal forage takes place on natural terrain, which may include uneven, wet, rocky or sloping surfaces depending on the location and tide.

We also have a portable ramp available at Ground Up Cookery School and can allocate designated parking spaces where needed. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your individual requirements and explore how we may be able to accommodate you.

Can I buy this course as a gift?

Our courses make great gifts.

When booking, you can also purchase:

a physical gift card sent by first class post
a physical gift card sent by second class post

Alternatively you can simply print and present the booking confirmation. If undecided, you can purchase a monetary-value gift voucher, which can be redeemed online against this or any other course.

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

We operate a strict four-week cancellation policy. Cancellations or requests to reschedule within four weeks of the course date are not refundable. However, bookings are transferable and someone else can come in your place; we just ask that you let us know.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions of Booking for full details.

Can I be added to a waiting list for future events?

If a course is fully booked or the date doesn't work for you, please email us and we'll notify you when new dates or related events are released. Better still, subscribe to our newsletter for occasional updates or follow us on social media @GroundUpCookery for recipes, coastal foraging inspiration and future event details.