By @thriftyhomeandgarden

As winter settles across the UK and the landscape softens beneath frost and early dusk, the natural world takes on a quieter charm. December may seem like the least likely moment for foraging, yet the hedgerows, woodlands and shoreline still hold a scattering of gifts for those who take the time to look.

Winter foraging is slower, gentler and more deliberate than its autumn counterpart. The abundance has eased, colours have faded, but the rewards remain—nutritious, flavourful and deeply comforting on the coldest days.

Some the wild foods still available in December, along with ideas for using them in your winter kitchen, are listed below. Foraging now encourages us to look closer, tread softer and deepen our appreciation for small seasonal miracles.

What You Can Forage in December

1. Rosehips

Where to find: Hedgerows, field edges, woodland paths
What they look like: Bright red, oval-shaped fruits left behind after wild roses have finished blooming

December is often the perfect month to gather rosehips, as frost softens their skins and sweetens their flavour. Rich in vitamin C—traditionally used to prevent winter colds—rosehips bring a welcome burst of brightness to the season.

How to use:

  • Rosehip Syrup: Simmer chopped rosehips, strain through muslin, and gently heat with sugar until syrupy. Delicious drizzled over porridge or stirred into hot water as a soothing drink.
  • Rosehip Tea: Dry them slowly and use for a fragrant infusion with a tart, fruity character.

Benefits:
Rosehips are famously high in antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immunity and general wellbeing during the colder months.

2. Hawthorn Berries (Haws)

Where to find: Hedgerows, lane sides, scrubby woodland edges
What they look like: Deep red berries clustered on thorny branches

Haws often cling to the branches through early winter, long after leaves have fallen. Though mild in flavour when raw, they shine when cooked.

How to use:

  • Hawthorn Jelly: Combine haws with crab apples, simmer, strain and add sugar before boiling to a set. A beautiful deep-red jelly ideal for toast or serving with cheese.
  • Hawthorn Ketchup: A tangy, rich sauce similar to brown sauce but uniquely fruity.

Benefits:
Hawthorn has long been associated with heart health and circulation, offering a subtle herbal boost when consumed regularly.

3. Sweet Chestnuts

Where to find: Mature chestnut woodland, parkland with old plantings
What they look like: Glossy brown nuts nestled inside prickly green burrs

By December, most chestnuts have already dropped, but you may still find a few lingering beneath the leaves—small treasures waiting to be discovered.

How to use:

  • Roasted Chestnuts: Simply roast in the oven or over an open fire for a classic, aromatic winter treat.
  • Chestnut & Root Veg Soup: Blend roasted chestnuts with seasonal vegetables like carrots or parsnips for a creamy, comforting bowlful.

Benefits:
Chestnuts are surprisingly nutritious—low in fat, high in fibre and packed with slow-release carbohydrates for steady winter energy.

4. Seaweed (Bladderwrack, Dulse & Sea Lettuce)

Where to find: Clean shorelines at low tide
What it looks like: Brown, red or green fronds clinging to rocks or washed ashore

One of winter’s most reliable foraging sources, seaweed continues to thrive when land plants lie dormant.

How to use:

  • Dulse Crisps: Lightly pan-fry dried dulse for a salty, smoky snack.
  • Broth Booster: Add bladderwrack to winter soups and stews for depth and natural minerals.
  • Sea Lettuce Flakes: Dry and crumble to sprinkle over scrambled eggs or roasted vegetables.

Benefits:
Seaweed is extraordinarily nutrient-rich, offering iodine, minerals and antioxidants that support thyroid function and overall vitality.

5. Nettles (New Growth in Mild Patches)

Where to find: Sheltered woodland edges, sunny banks, disturbed soil
What they look like: Fresh, green shoots on plants that have revived after autumn cutting or mild spells

While most nettles have died back, new shoots sometimes appear during warmer December spells. Only harvest the tender top growth.

How to use:

  • Nettle Soup: A winter-green classic, bright and iron-rich.
  • Nettle Pesto: Combine with garlic, lemon and oil for a vibrant seasonal sauce.

Benefits:
Nettles are rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and minerals—an invaluable winter tonic.

6. Pine Needles

Where to find: Pine forests, mixed woodlands
What they look like: Long green needles growing in clusters on evergreen branches

Pine needles bring a fresh, citrus-like aroma to the winter kitchen and are abundant even in the darkest months.

How to use:

  • Pine Needle Tea: Simmer gently to create a fragrant drink rich in vitamin C.
  • Pine Infused Syrup: Use to drizzle over festive bakes or stir into winter cocktails.

Benefits:
Pine tea is invigorating and naturally high in antioxidants—perfect for clearing the mind on cold mornings.

7. Winter Mushrooms (Velvet Shank & Wood Ear)

Where to find: Decaying logs, shaded woodland areas
What they look like: Velvet shank has an orange-brown cap with darker centre; wood ear resembles soft, ear-shaped brown jelly

Only forage mushrooms if you are confident in identification—winter varieties can be reliable but still require caution.

How to use:

  • Velvet Shank Stir-Fry: Adds savoury depth to wintry dishes.
  • Wood Ear in Broth: Popular in Asian cooking for its mild flavour and distinctive texture.

Benefits:
Winter mushrooms provide protein, B vitamins and minerals—ideal for strengthening winter meals.

A Season of Quiet Abundance

Foraging in December invites us to slow down and notice details: the last berries clinging to hedgerows, the soft rustle of pine needles underfoot, the quiet offerings of the sea. These foods connect us to the season in a deeper way—not through abundance, but through presence, patience and appreciation.

Cooking with winter-foraged ingredients brings a sense of ceremony too. Whether simmering rosehip syrup, stirring pine needle tea or roasting the last sweet chestnuts, each dish becomes a celebration of nature’s enduring generosity.

Foraging Cautions & Responsible Gathering

Before heading out, remember a few simple principles to forage safely and sustainably:

1. Be 100% sure of identification.

If in doubt, don’t pick it—especially mushrooms.

2. Forage only where it is permitted.

Avoid private land unless you have permission and respect nature reserves.

3. Take only what you need.

Leave plenty for wildlife, who rely even more heavily on winter’s limited offerings.

4. Avoid polluted areas.

Skip plants near busy roads, industrial sites, or questionable water quality.

5. Protect the plant.

Pick lightly, never uproot, and leave the area as you found it.

Winter foraging is a quiet, mindful act—one that nourishes both body and spirit. So wrap up warm, take a basket, wander gently, and let the landscape show you its subtle December treasures.

@thriftyhomeandgarden
Simple living. Natural rhythms. Seasonal wisdom.

Further Reading: Discover Nature’s Bounty Foraging for Food and Fun, The Art of Foraging: Unlocking Nature’s Bounty Sustainably, Gardening Jobs for December, Why You Should Consider Growing Your Own Food