About
Guided foraging walks in nature
Available: April - November
Duration: approximately 5 hours
Length: 3-5 km
Price: 180 RON/person
Contact and reservations: Viola Dakó, +40 752 623 591
The sessions are led by Viola Dakó/Vadóka, a certified horticultural engineer and local producer. As an independent entrepreneur, Viola offers both theoretical and practical workshops on edible wild plants and mushrooms.
A minimum of 3 participants is required for booking, and groups can have a maximum of 25 people. Sessions can be arranged in advance, except on Saturdays. On Saturdays, organized sessions are held, which individuals can also join. Current events are announced on the “Vadóka” Facebook page.
Tentative programme
10:00 – Departure from Polonița (Székelylengyelfalva)
We will explore the surrounding fields, forests, and groves on foot. At the starting point, we will go over important information and the plan for the day. Depending on the season, what can be foraged varies - we always focus on species that are abundant at the time. If needed, participants will be provided with baskets/canvas bags and knives/scissors for collecting. We will also discuss how to behave in nature and learn methods for bear awareness and deterrence. We then head together to the nearest field.
10:15 – 11:20 Introduction to edible wild plants and medicinal herbs
The field is about a 5-minute walk from the house. Here we will get to know the seasonal medicinal herbs and edible wild plants. We will also collect some of them together, which can later be used at the accommodation or at home. Toxic and inedible species will also be discussed to ensure they are not accidentally collected.
11:20 – 12:00 Group mushroom foraging
Mushroom foraging may take place in the field, in groves/shrub areas, or in the forest. We will look for species that are currently available, visiting well-known productive spots. Viola will show her best locations, so mushrooms are sure to end up in our baskets. We will learn the rules of ethical foraging, how to read tree species, surrounding vegetation, and habitats, as well as the fascinating relationships between fungi and plants—and how, as humans, we can support their reproduction through responsible foraging. We will also learn about poisonous mushrooms and similar species that can be easily confused. If we do not encounter a certain species in the field, we will examine it using a field guide. We will visit several types of habitats, as each supports different fungi, allowing us to discover a diverse range of species.
12:00 – 12:20 Short break and snack
We will take a short break to rest and have a snack. After the break, we will continue foraging, this time definitely in a forest environment.
12:20 – 13:45 Continued mushroom foraging
We will discover additional mushroom species and learn to recognize even the lesser-known ones. We will study whatever species we are lucky enough to encounter.
13:45 – 14:00 Short break
We will take another short break, then continue the walk. Returning toward the field, we will once again look for edible wild plants and medicinal herbs. We will also visit a local spring, where we will pause again briefly.
14:00 – 14:30 Collecting medicinal herbs
On the way back, we will continue learning about edible wild plants and medicinal herbs.
14:30 – 15:00 Sorting baskets and tasting
Viola will sort through the collected plants and mushrooms, ensuring that everyone only takes home edible species. We will taste fermented beverages or syrups, dried mushroom chips, and fermented pickles. These locally produced artisanal products will also be available for purchase on site.
Those who do not wish to, or are unable to, take home the freshly collected items will have the option to exchange them for naturally preserved products, based on mutual agreement.
Equipment required:
· hiking boots or sports shoes
· comfortable clothing; long trousers regardless of weather
· raincoat
· at least 1 liter of drinking water
· packed cold snack or light meal
· basket/canvas bag and knife/pocket knife for collecting (can also be provided on site upon request)
Language
English
Hungarian
Romanian