Foraging in Sussex

A Q&A with a forager local to West Sussex and her passion for creating nature inspired art.

Nicole Back runs a small business through her Instagram: @floraandthorns, drawing inspiration from the natural world, she uses foragables like fungi and wildflowers to create her art.

When did you become interested in foraging?

I have been interested in foraging for as long as I can remember. When I was younger I always found myself at the park or amongst nature. I remember picking blackberries, honeysuckle, strawberries, apples, and pears while out exploring with my friends. I started to appreciate it a lot more when I got older and started my journey with it again five years ago.

What inspired you to make art and jewellery out of what you have foraged?

I love that I can take a piece of nature with me wherever I go. Seeing plants, fungi, and wildflowers when outside brings me so much joy. There’s times when life gets in the way and I won't always find myself amongst nature, so knowing I can connect to it at all times with my jewellery makes me really happy.

How does foraging fit into your lifestyle?

I like to use my free time foraging. I love discovering new plants, fungi, and animals. Because I find so much joy in it, I dedicate any spare time I have to it. My other profession alongside my business and foraging is that I am a chef. I have a passion for cooking so I love picking wild ingredients to use in my own recipes.

Do you have any thoughts about how foraging connects us to the land and to nature?

It’s one of the most vital things in order to have a peaceful, happy life. There is so much evidence to show how important being outside is. The sun can heal you in so many ways, foraging in summer when the sun is shining down on you is amazing, healing, and a great way to be at one with nature.

How do you make sure you forage sustainably?

It’s important to understand the legalities of foraging and what you need to do in order to forage sustainably. It is good to remember the four “F’s” which are fungi, flowers, fruit, and foliage. I find it crucial to forage sustainably as mother nature is an extremely important part of our lives. We must learn not to be greedy and leave plenty for ecosystems and wildlife. A way I do this is by never taking more than I need and not taking anything that isn’t in abundance. I use the one in five method which means leaving at least five of the same thing for every one thing I forage.

Why do you think foraging is becoming more popular?

There are so many reasons this could be. People like the idea of gathering their own food, being outside, connecting to their inner child. There's something really special about wandering through the woods, being still, and keeping an eye out for what Mother nature surprises you with on that day.