Introduction to Toxic Wild Plants
A six week course exploring six wild toxic plants that are common to find in the UK. We will cover identification, similar 'look-a-like' species, folklore, history and the properties of the plants.
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.
Course curriculum
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1Introduction
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2Week One: Lords-and-ladies
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3Week Two: Hemlock Water Dropwort
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4Week Three: Dog's Mercury
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5Week Four: Yew Tree
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6Week Five: Poison Hemlock
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7Week Six: Foxgloves
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8Further Exploration
FAQs
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You will have lifetime access to the course, and the plant monographs are downloadable so can be kept offline to refer back to.
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Yes, we will cover how to identify each plant and how to differentiate it from similar looking plants.
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You can begin the course any time after you have made payment.
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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 as common in your local area, and there may be other highly toxic plants in your bioregion that are not covered in this course.
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We want you to be happy with the course and for it to be the right learning experience for you. After you buy the course there is a grace period of 24 hours from the time of purchase where you can cancel for a full refund. You must contact hello@giftsoftheland.com by email within the 24 hour period requesting a refund. After this time the course is non-refundable.
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
This course 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
Samantha
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 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 have worked as a Botanical Horticultural Apprentice at Kew Gardens, London 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.