What will I learn?

Have you ever wanted to gather wild plants for food or medicine but been put off by the risk of picking something poisonous? Or maybe when outdoors with young children or dogs you have wondered what is and isn't safe for them to touch? Perhaps you just want to dive more deeply into the fascinating world of toxic plants. In this course we will cover:

- Six common toxic wild plants and information about how to identify them, look-a-like species, their folklore, history and properties

- an introduction to plant toxicity and different types of toxins found in plants.

- a chapter on the potential healing effects of some highly poisonous plants.

- a brief look at some other poisonous plants you might find and resources for learning more at the end of the course. 


What is included in the course?

- six videos, one for each toxic plant covered

- a downloadable plant monograph for each toxic plant

- further information to help you dive deeper into the properties of each plant

- introductions to plant toxins, traditional medicinal uses of toxic plants, and a chapter on toxic fungi

- a reading/resources list for further exploration


The course is designed for those who would consider themselves a beginner in the world of plants, foraging and identification, however the course is open to all and I hope that even the more experienced plant-lover will gain something from the course.

Who is the course for?

This is for you if:

  • you want to gain confidence in plant ID and your ability to tell the toxic apart from the edible

  • you are beginning your journey with foraging and you want to keep yourself and your family safe

  • you have an interest in the fascinating world of poisonous plants and want to expand your knowledge

  • you want to deepen your awareness and understanding of toxic plants, including their folklore, traditional uses and history

Kind words from previous students:

“A great course – and an interesting way to get to know a handful of the plants we are surrounded with in the UK. I now feel better able to identify these plants, for safer interactions with them and their look-a-likes - as well as appreciate these plants for their qualities beyond their toxicity to us”

Hope, integrative coach & wellbeing practitioner

FAQ

  • How long will I have access to the course for?

    You will have access to the course for 12 months from purchase, and the plant monographs are downloadable so can be kept forever to refer back to.

  • I am a beginner in plant ID, is this course for me?

    Yes, we will cover how to identify each plant and how to differentiate it from similar looking plants.

  • When does the course begin?

    You can begin the course any time after you have made payment. Although the course is designed to be completed over six weeks you can do it in your own time within a 12 month period.

  • I live outside of the UK, will this course be relevant to me?

    This course is designed with the flora of the British Isles in mind. Many of the plants in this course are widespread throughout temperate climates, however their prevalence will vary from one location and habitat to another. If you are outside of the UK you are very welcome to join the course, however the plants may not be common in your local area, and there may be other highly toxic plants in your bioregion that are not covered in this course.

  • Do you offer refunds?

    We want you to be happy with the course and for it to be the right learning experience for you. If you buy the course there is a grace period of 24 hours from time of purchase where you can cancel for a full refund. You must contact [email protected] by email within the 24 hour period requesting a refund. After this you have a 14 day cooling off period but you can only be refunded for the proportion of the course you haven't yet accessed. After 14 days the course is fully non-refundable.

Investment

The investment for this course is £65

Enroll today

Course Facilitator

Samantha Williamson

My name is Samantha and I am a plant tending, herb gathering, nature loving creative & mama living in Portugal with my 5 year old daughter, partner and two cats. I facilitate herb walks with a strong focus on the seasons and cycles of nature and the sharing of sustainable foraging practices, and I also co-run a 'gleaning network' where we rescue and redistribute surplus farm produce to projects that help people who are experiencing food insecurity.

I have had a life long passion for plants and nature and have studied various courses and modalities relating to the natural world; from permaculture and farming to herbalism and botany. I previously worked as a Botanical Horticultural Apprentice at Kew Gardens and hold an RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation. I am currently studying for an honours degree in Environmental Science.

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