Wild Foraging Walk in the Food Marsh
Cattail, fibres, food and craftsmanship
Location: Voedselmoeras, Oud Ade
Workshop facilitator: Roos Konings
Additional ecological insights by: RE-PEAT & Helene Marcus-Baart (Voedselmoeras)
Language: Dutch / English
Did you know that for our ancestors the marshlands where the most biodiverse and most important place to forage? The marshlands where also the first places where they settled, because of the abbundance of wild food.
During this immersive wild foraging workshop in a food marsh, you will discover the richness and versatility of wetland ecosystems. You will not only learn how to identify edible plants, but also how to harvest them sustainably and transform them into food and natural materials.
This full-day experience combines foraging, ecology, traditional crafts and cooking: offering a new perspective on how we relate to nature.
What to expect
We begin the day with coffee and wild herbal tea, followed by a guided foraging walk through the marshland. You will learn to identify edible plants that grow during the summer season and understand how they are part of a larger ecological system.
Throughout the walk, the focus is on safe, legal and sustainable foraging. You will develop practical skills that you can use for the rest of your life.
Deep dive: ecology and regeneration
In addition to hands-on learning, this workshop offers deeper ecological insight. A guest lecture by RE-PEAT highlights how young initiatives are working on the restoration and protection of peatlands and wetlands.
You will learn why these ecosystems are essential for biodiversity, water management and climate resilience.
From plant to product
A key focus of the day is the cattail (Typha), one of the most versatile plants found in marsh ecosystems. You will explore how this plant can be used as:
- Food (such as cattail flour)
- Fibre for traditional crafts
- Natural insulation and building material
You will also experience a live demonstration of cooking with wild plants and take part in a hands-on craft workshop where you will create your own cattail basket.
Shared meal and experience
During the day, you will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with wild ingredients. This is a moment to taste, connect and deepen your understanding of where food comes from.
What you will take home
- Lifelong skills in identifying edible wild plants
- Knowledge of summer foraging and seasonal ecosystems
- Insight into peatland ecology and traditional Dutch practices
- Understanding of sustainable and responsible harvesting
- Hands-on experience with cattail as both food and material
- A self-made cattail basket
- Cattail flour as a seasonal wild ingredient
- Access to educational materials and an online community
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is perfect for anyone who:
- Wants to learn about edible wild plants
- Is interested in ecology, sustainability and regenerative practices
- Enjoys hands-on learning with natural materials and food
- Is looking for an inspiring day outdoors
- Anyone that wants to know more about Dutch marsh traditions
A wild experience that stays with you
This is more than just a workshop. It is an invitation to rethink your relationship with nature — from simply observing, to engaging, understanding and working in harmony with the landscape.
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