This easy wild nettle soup is simple, warming and full of fresh spring flavour. Cooked nettles have a mild, earthy taste, similar to spinach, and pair beautifully with potato, onion and garlic for a comforting bowl of soup.

When foraging, always pick young nettle tops from clean areas away from roadsides or sprayed land. Gloves are a must, and avoid older flowering plants.

Ingredients

• 150g young nettle leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 medium potato, chopped
• 750ml vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Wearing gloves, carefully rinse and prepare the nettles, removing any tough stems. In a large pan, gently cook the onion in olive oil until softened, then add the garlic. Stir in the potato and vegetable stock and simmer until the potato is tender.

Add the nettles and cook for a few minutes until wilted. Blend the soup until smooth, stir through the lemon juice, season to taste and serve warm.

Serving Ideas

Serve your nettle soup with warm crusty bread, toasted seeds or a spoonful of yoghurt for extra creaminess. It makes a lovely light lunch, starter or simple outdoor-inspired meal after a day spent exploring nature.

Cooking with foraged ingredients is a wonderful way to connect with the seasons, and this easy nettle soup is a great place to start. Simple, nourishing and packed with spring flavour, it might just change how you think about nettles forever.

The post Easy Wild Nettle Soup: A Simple Spring Foraging Recipe appeared first on A Touch of the Wild.

This month’s favourite has been these wild garlic and cheese muffins. They’re simple, tasty, and perfect for little hands to help make. Ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or a post-adventure snack 🍃

If you don’t have access to wild garlic, don’t worry, you can swap it for leek, chives, or spring onions just as easily.

🌱 A Foraged Favourite

Foraging is a lovely way to connect children with nature, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Wild garlic is one of the easiest (and safest) plants to identify in spring, with its unmistakable garlicky scent.

🧺 Ingredients

• 225g self-raising flour
• 50g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 100g grated cheese
• 6 tbsp vegetable oil
• 150g natural yoghurt
• 125ml milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 large handfuls of wild garlic leaves, washed and chopped

👩‍🍳 Let’s Get Baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / Gas 6.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the self-raising flour, plain flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cheese, oil, yoghurt, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce and wild garlic.
4. Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
5. Spoon the mixture into muffin cases in a tray.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and risen.
7. Allow to cool slightly on a rack… then enjoy warm or pack up for an outdoor adventure!

🌟 Wild Tip

Why not turn this into a mini activity before baking? Head out on a short walk to spot wild garlic together, sniff, explore, and chat about what you find. It’s a brilliant way to bring learning to life 🌼

If you’d love more nature-inspired activities like this, our Wild Tots sessions are full of hands-on fun, from foraging to campfire cooking. Perfect for curious little explorers and their grown-ups 💚

The post Recipe of the Month: Wild Garlic & Cheese Muffins appeared first on A Touch of the Wild.

This February, we’re celebrating love, connection and kindness the Forest School way, through shared experiences in nature, gentle learning, and time spent together in the woods.

Love Grows Best Outdoors

Time spent in nature has a powerful effect on children and adults alike. At our Forest School sessions in Devon, we see daily how the woodland encourages children to slow down, notice each other, and build strong emotional bonds.

When children explore the outdoors with their grown-ups, they develop:

• Secure attachments
• Confidence and independence
• Empathy and cooperation
• A sense of belonging

These early connections form the foundations for lifelong learning and there’s no better place to nurture them than in the natural world.

Valentine’s Day at Forest School: More Than Hearts and Cards

In Forest School, Valentine’s Day isn’t about perfection, it’s about process, presence and play. Children learn that love can be shown through teamwork, sharing, listening, and caring for the environment around them.

Here are some of our favourite Valentine’s-inspired Forest School activities you can try at home or enjoy during our sessions:

🌿 Twig Heart Creations

Using fallen twigs, wool and natural materials, children create heart shapes and woodland decorations. This supports fine motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving, all key elements of early years education.

🔍 Love the Earth Nature Hunt

Children search the woodland for heart-shaped leaves, stones, moss patches or bark patterns. This encourages observation skills, mindfulness and a deeper connection to nature.

🔥 Campfire Valentine Treats

There’s something incredibly bonding about cooking together over an open fire. From heart-shaped toast to warm snacks shared at the fire circle, these moments become treasured childhood memories.

Why Valentine’s Activities Matter in Early Years Education

Celebrating events like Valentine’s Day in a Forest School setting allows children to explore emotions in a safe, gentle and age-appropriate way. Through outdoor play and guided activities, children learn:

• How to express feelings
• How to build friendships
• How to care for others and the natural world

These experiences support emotional development, a vital part of holistic early years learning.

Wild Tots: A Valentine’s Date with Nature 🌱

Our Wild Tots sessions in Devon are designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers aged 1-5 and their parents or carers. February is a wonderful time to join us, as the woodland feels calm, cosy and full of quiet magic.

Each session includes:

• Child-led outdoor play
• Forest crafts and nature exploration
• Songs, stories and seasonal activities
• Campfire time and shared moments

Wild Tots isn’t just a toddler group, it’s a chance to connect, slow down and fall in love with nature together.

Why Families Choose A Touch of the Wild

Parents across Devon choose A Touch of the Wild because we offer:

• High-quality Forest School education
• Experienced, caring practitioners
• A strong focus on wellbeing and connection
• Outdoor learning in all seasons

We’re passionate about helping children grow with confidence, curiosity and a deep respect for the natural world.

Join Us This Valentine’s Season

If you’re looking for outdoor toddler activities in Devon, meaningful experiences for your child, or a gentle introduction to Forest School, February is the perfect time to start.

Book a Wild Tots session today and celebrate Valentine’s Day with muddy boots, warm hearts and woodland memories.

The post Wild About You: Celebrating Valentine’s Day the Forest School Way appeared first on A Touch of the Wild.

Whether you’re cooking outdoors with the children, after a Forest School session, or looking for a plant-based pancake recipe to brighten your weekend, these elderflower pancakes are a seasonal favourite. They’re also a brilliant activity for outdoor learning and family foraging adventures.

🌿 Ingredients (for approx. 10 pancakes)

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 6 tbsp caster sugar
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 450ml plant-based milk (like oat, almond or soy)
• ½ tsp vanilla essence
• 6–10 fresh elderflower heads (foraged from safe, unsprayed trees)

🍳 Method

1. Forage your flowers
   Gather your elderflower heads on a dry, sunny day – a perfect seasonal forest school activity with kids. Pick creamy-white blossoms and shake gently to remove insects. Avoid washing as this can reduce the flavour.
2. Mix your vegan pancake batter
   In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and baking powder. Pour in the plant milk and vanilla essence, whisking until smooth. This vegan elderflower pancake recipe is quick and family-friendly.
3. Add your elderflower blossoms
   Carefully remove the tiny blossoms and fold them into the batter for that floral, summery flavour.
4. Cook outdoors or at home
   Heat a non-stick pan (or try a flat griddle over the campfire!) and spoon in the batter. Cook each pancake for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until golden.
5. Serve and enjoy
   Serve with a sprinkle of icing sugar, a squeeze of lemon, or your favourite berries. Delicious on a woodland picnic or shared around the fire!

🌸 Family Tip

Let your children help with picking the elderflowers or mixing the batter – it’s a beautiful way to introduce them to seasonal cooking, foraging, and nature-based learning.

The post 🌼 Vegan Elderflower Pancakes – A Woodland Treat to Forage & Feast appeared first on A Touch of the Wild.

Whether you’re looking for a cosy activity at home or a campfire treat to enjoy on your woodland adventures, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups plain flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1/2 cup vegan butter (softened for home baking; melted for campfire cooking)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup golden syrup

Method for Baking at Home

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
   • In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup until smooth.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
   • Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle.
3. Shape the Cookies:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Bake:
   • Place the cookies on the prepared tray and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Method for Campfire Cooking

Follow the same steps to prepare and chill the dough. However, instead of baking, cook the cookies as described below:

1. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
2. Place the cookies on a campfire-safe griddle or pan.
3. Cook gently over medium heat, flipping halfway, until the edges are golden and the cookies are cooked through.

Why Make Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

These cookies are more than just a treat, they’re an opportunity to create joyful family moments. At home, they fill your kitchen with the comforting aromas of cinnamon and ginger. Outdoors, they add a sprinkle of festive magic to any adventure.

Cooking together, whether indoors or out, fosters creativity and connection, something we hold dear at A Touch of The Wild.

Join Us for More Wild Adventures

If you enjoy nature-inspired activities like this, come along to one of our woodland sessions. From Wild Tots to holiday clubs, we offer experiences that bring families closer to nature through learning and play.

Love this recipe? Share your gingerbread creations with us on Instagram using #ATouchOfTheWild – we’d love to see them!

The post Vegan Gingerbread Cookies: Perfect for Home or Campfire Adventures appeared first on A Touch of the Wild.

Ingredients

• 100g sunflower seeds
• 100g pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Method (Home-Friendly)

1. Toast the seeds: Heat a large, dry pan (no oil needed) over medium heat. Add the sunflower and pumpkin seeds and stir constantly for about 3–5 minutes, until they start to pop and turn golden brown.
2. Add soy sauce: Lower the heat slightly and carefully drizzle the soy sauce over the seeds. Stir quickly as it bubbles and coats the seeds. Continue stirring until the liquid evaporates and the seeds are dry but glossy.
3. Cool and enjoy: Transfer the seeds to a plate or baking tray to cool. Once completely cool, store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or snack on them straight away!

Campfire Method

Want to take it outside? Follow the same steps with a cast iron skillet over a steady campfire. The smoky flavour adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Serving Ideas

• Sprinkle over salads, soups, or roasted veg.
• Mix into yoghurt or porridge for a crunchy twist.
• Snack straight from the jar, if they last that long!

Whether at home or outdoors, this recipe is a guaranteed hit with the whole family. Give it a go and tell us your favourite way to enjoy it!

The post Recipe of the Month: Toasted Seeds with Soy Sauce appeared first on A Touch of the Wild.

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin or squash (about 1kg), peeled and chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Foraged herbs (wild garlic, thyme)

Method (Hob Version):

1. Prepare your cooking pot: If you’re cooking at home, use a large pot or casserole dish on the hob.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat a little oil in your pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Stir in the chopped pumpkin, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to caramelize slightly.
4. Simmer: Pour in the tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, and smoked paprika. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
5. Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and any foraged herbs you may have gathered. Serve with crusty bread or roasted chestnuts, just as you would around a campfire!

Cooking Outdoors or Indoors: The Same Delicious Results

Whether you’re gathering around a campfire with family or cooking on your kitchen hob, this Pumpkin Stew is the perfect dish for an autumnal day. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with seasonal goodness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get children involved in food preparation, either at home or during an outdoor adventure.

Pro Tip: If you’re indoors, you can still create that campfire feel by roasting some chestnuts in the oven or toasting marshmallows for dessert!

This stew is versatile and brings the warmth of autumn straight to your table whether you’re deep in the woods or cosy at home.

The post Campfire Pumpkin Stew Recipe: Perfect for Autumn Days Outdoors or at Home appeared first on A Touch of the Wild.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
• 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups cold water
• Handful of fresh mint leaves
• Slices of cucumber (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Juice the Lemons: Start by rolling the lemons on a countertop to loosen the juice. Cut them in half and use a juicer to extract 1 cup of lemon juice. Remove any seeds.
2. Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. This is your simple syrup.
3. Mix the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir well.
4. Add a Wild Twist: Gently crush a handful of fresh mint leaves to release their oils and add them to the pitcher. For an extra refreshing touch, add a few slices of cucumber.
5. Chill and Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs.
6. Enjoy!: Take a moment to enjoy the refreshing taste of your homemade Woodland Lemonade. Perfect for sipping on a sunny day surrounded by nature!

Tips:

• Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of your lemonade by adding more or less sugar, or using honey as an alternative sweetener.
• Experiment with Flavours: Try adding a splash of elderflower cordial or a handful of berries for a unique twist.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the little ones involved by letting them help with squeezing lemons and stirring the lemonade. It’s a great way to teach them about making homemade drinks!

At A Touch of the Wild, we believe in the joy of simple, natural experiences. This Woodland Lemonade is a delightful addition to any outdoor adventure. Cheers to enjoying the wild side of life!

The post Refreshing Woodland Lemonade Recipe appeared first on A Touch of the Wild.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended!)

Equipment:

• A large piece of tin foil
• Large regular frying pan
• Hot coals from a campfire

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Cooking Area:
   • Ensure you have a well-built campfire that has burned down to hot coals. Cooking over hot coals, rather than direct flames, provides even heat distribution, perfect for baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined and smooth. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter now.
4. Prepare the Frying Pan:
   • Tear off a large piece of tin foil and lay it flat. Pour the brownie batter onto the centre of the foil, spreading it out slightly to form an even layer. Carefully wrap the foil around the batter to create a sealed packet. This will help the brownie cook evenly and prevent it from burning.
5. Cooking the Brownie:
   • Place the foil packet into a large regular frying pan. Position the pan over the hot coals, ensuring it’s not directly in the flames.
   • Cook for approximately 15 minutes on one side. Then, carefully flip the foil packet using tongs or a spatula, and cook for another 15 minutes on the other side.
6. Check for Doneness:
   • After cooking, check the edges of the brownie. When they are light and crispy while the centre remains gooey, your campfire brownie is ready. Remove the pan from the heat and let the brownie cool in the foil. The residual heat will continue to cook the brownie, ensuring a fudgy centre.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully open the foil packet and slice the brownie into portions. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness with a hint of campfire charm.

Tips for the Perfect Campfire Brownie:

• Monitor the Heat: Keep an eye on the coals and adjust the position of the pan to avoid burning the brownie.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Add nuts, marshmallows, or dried fruit to the batter for a fun twist.
• Safety First: Always use heat-resistant gloves and tongs when handling hot equipment near the campfire.

Making campfire brownies is a fun and rewarding experience that brings people together around the fire. Whether you’re in the heart of the Devon woods with us at A Touch of the Wild or in your backyard, we hope you enjoy making and eating this delightful treat. Happy baking and happy adventuring!

The post How to Make Our Famous Campfire Brownie appeared first on A Touch of the Wild.

Foraging for Fun (and Flavour!)

Before we dive into baking, a quick note on the beech leaves. Make sure to identify the leaves correctly – beech leaves are smooth-edged and oval-shaped with pointed tips. ) Only use fresh new leaves taken from the tree. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Plain Flour
• ½ Cup Brown Sugar
• ½ Cup Caster Sugar *⅓ Cup Cocoa Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Water/Milk (Milk will add a touch of richness)
• ½ Cup Coconut Oil, melted
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Leaf it to the Experts: Baking with Nature’s Touch

1. Sugar Rush: In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, caster sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is incorporated and creamy.
2. Dry Together: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
3. Unite the Mixes: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water or milk, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Leaf it to Fate: Now comes the fun part! Wash your beech leaves gently and pat them dry. Place a small ball of dough between two beech leaves, then gently press down to flatten the dough slightly. The leaves will imprint their beautiful design onto the biscuit.
5. Fry Time: Heat a shallow layer of oil (vegetable or olive oil work well) in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the beech leaf-shaped biscuits into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
6. Cool Beans (or Rather, Biscuits): Transfer the fried biscuits to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool completely before enjoying.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcook the biscuits – they should be slightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
• If you don’t have beech leaves, you can use parchment paper cut into leaf shapes for a similar effect.
• For a fun twist, sprinkle some sea salt flakes over the biscuits before frying for a sweet and salty flavour explosion.

These beech leaf chocolate biscuits are a delightful conversation starter and a perfect treat to share with friends and family. So next time you’re out on a nature walk, keep an eye out for those fresh beech leaves – they might just hold the key to your next baking adventure!

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