Foraging at Mabon: Gathering Nature's Gifts

 The Season of Balance and Bounty

There’s something enchanting about this time of year. The air softens, the trees glow with firelight hues, and the hedgerows brim with wild abundance. As the wheel of the year turns to Mabon [the Autumn Equinox]. Nature reminds us to slow down, give thanks, and gather what the land so generously offers.

For me, foraging has always been a ritual — a quiet, grounding act that connects me back to the rhythm of the earth. Wandering with a basket in hand, listening to the crunch of leaves underfoot, I find peace in those wild, overgrown corners where the real magic still lingers.

What to Forage Around Mabon

Late September through October is one of the richest foraging windows of the year. You don’t need to go far and even a gentle walk down a country lane or local woodland path can reveal hidden treasures.

Here are some of my favourites to gather during Mabon:

•  Hawthorn Berries – perfect for heart-healing teas and syrups, symbolising protection and vitality.  

• Elderberries – rich in antioxidants and perfect for immune-boosting elixirs.  

• Rosehips – a source of vitamin C and beauty magic, ideal for infusions and salves.

•  Blackberries – the classic sign of autumn; delicious in jams, pies, or spells for prosperity.  

• Hazelnuts & Beech Nuts – the nuts of wisdom and grounding energy.

• Mushrooms & Fungi – tread carefully here; only collect what you can confidently identify.

Rose hip berries

A Note on Fungi Foraging

Fungi foraging can be one of the most rewarding autumn adventures but also one of the trickiest. Many edible mushrooms have lookalikes that aren’t safe to eat. If you’re new to identifying mushrooms, I highly recommend picking up a fungi foraging booklet or pocket guide before you set out.

Look for local versions tailored to UK species. Many farm shops and nature reserves sell small guides that fit perfectly in your foraging bag. It’s a brilliant way to learn the difference between an amethyst deceiver and a deadly fibre cap, and it adds another layer of mindfulness to your wander.

A Ritual of Gratitude

Every handful of berries, every leaf, and every mushroom gathered feels like a conversation with the land — an exchange of gratitude and respect. I always leave an offering: a whispered thank you, a thread of natural twine, or a small piece of apple.

Foraging during Mabon is about more than gathering ingredients, it’s about remembering that we are part of this great turning of the seasons. When we move in rhythm with the earth, even the smallest ritual — a sip of tea, a balm on the skin becomes sacred.  

Whether you bring home a basket full of berries or simply wander to watch the shifting light through the trees, take a moment this Mabon to honour what you’ve gathered, both from the land and within yourself.

Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria), NOT edible but has other beneficial properties. Handle with care.