Amy Hitchcock

Amy Hitchcock – Foraging Guide at Forth and Forage

Age: 25-34

Career Journey:

Amy Hitchcock’s journey into foraging began through her volunteer work with Herne Bay in Bloom, where she helped manage the local community garden. During volunteer open days, she discovered her passion for sharing nature with people of all ages. This passion led to the creation of Forth and Forage, a business focused on introducing guests to the edible and medicinal plants that grow on our doorstep.

Career Highlights:

Amy enjoys collaborating with local Kent organisations such as POW Thanet, the Sunken Garden, and the Herne Bay Festival, as well as sharing the region’s landscapes with guests from across the globe. She cherishes hearing the stories guests share about their connections with nature and the local names of plants passed down through generations.

What Amy Enjoys Most About Her Job:

Amy loves meeting people from all walks of life and sharing knowledge about nature, especially as it connects to the wild food we often overlook. She finds it particularly special when guests share personal stories about their relationships with plants, like the many names for Galium aparine-goosegrass, sticky weed, and sticky willy, depending on the region.

Key Skills and Expertise:

Amy’s key skills include attention to detail, persistence, and patience, which are crucial for successful foraging. Her openness to learning and commitment to safety ensure that guests have enjoyable and safe experiences. Amy also benefits from online resources and communities like Facebook groups, where like-minded individuals share knowledge about wild food.