HERBCRAFTING IN THE WILD
Herbcrafting is great fun. This is a very popular activity for hen parties! Informal workshops out in the gorgeous countryside of the Gower peninsula provide the perfect setting to learn about which plants can be safely harvested and keep you well. So many of our native flora is described as weeds. In fact the most humble and abundant herbs can be the most effective. Nettles, despite their offputting sting, are a very important medicinal plant. They give us every mineral we need, even trace elements like copper, and nutrient rich iron and calcium in a perfectly balanced formula. A cup of nettle tea a day helps with an astonishing number of complaints including osteoporosis, anaemia and low adrenal function due to stress. 
Sometimes we innocently walk upon herbs that could sort our problems. Chickweed, at its best in the spring is a marvellous remedy for eczema. Plantain or Ribwort soothes a troubled digestive system and is an instant first aid remedy for cuts and stings. We crush them under our unthinking feet, not realising what bounty is spread before us.
Delight in discovering which plants might help you. Emphasis is placed on safety at all times and especially correct identification. You will also learn what NOT to pick! Seasonal variations are discussed as well as the method of harvest, not least for the sake of the plants themselves.
Written handouts are provided for you to take home and peruse at leisure. They are also available from this website as an ebook for you to download for a nominal fee. Go to the shop to see what's available.
This is what previous participants thought:
"I just wanted to thank you on behalf of all of us for a fantastic day on Saturday. We found the herbal walk really interesting and something different to do on a hen weekend. The food in the evening was fantastic. I will definitely recommend you!" "Lovely for a special occasion." "Lovely that you enjoyed doing it and were happy to answer all the random questions we threw at you!" "Very informative and refreshing to have a guide who is passionate about what they are teaching you. Always interesting to learn something new! Thank you." "Food was amazing and Alex was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable." "It was all brilliant." "Food was great, loved soup and choc." "Lots of fun, very informative and good to be able to take home what you've made." "Great food - thanks." "Thank you for a great day". "Picnic was lovely". "A really lovely day out." "A unique experience. A fantastic way to catch up with friends and learn something valuable while experiencing the beautiful Gower countryside. I would definitely recommend you!" "It was the very, very most lovely time. Alex and her husband were delightful hosts - struck the perfect balance of professionalism, friendliness and fun. Thank you." "Everything was spot on! Perfect! Personally the food was exactly what I like. I would recommend you 100%." "Marks out of ten for fun - 1000/10!"
As part of the herbal experience al fresco refreshments are available at an additional cost. This has proved very popular with hen parties! You can have a healthy picnic as part of your workshop or, if you prefer, a Spanish feast can be prepared for you outside after the workshop has finished.
Catering menus:
Picnics include:
Speciality breads, comprehensive cheese board including goats cheeses, hummus, olives, salads, home-made herbal soups (such as nettle), cold sausages, chutney, delicious local free-range boiled eggs and to finish chocolate brownies with seasonal fruit. Home-made lemonade or herbal teas to wash it down with.
Spanish Feast includes:
Tapas - olives, anchovies, spicy cold sausages, speciality breads, Spanish tortilla potato and onion omelettes, colourful salads of the season; followed by freshly made Spanish paella. The paella is cooked outside on a gas ring and can be varied to order according to preference. You can have traditional - which includes chicken, seafood and chorizo sausage; vegetarian - which includes boiled eggs, aubergine, chickpeas, feta cheese and olives; or vegan - which includes aubergine, pepper, chickpeas, green peas, olives and almonds. All include rice, flavoured with saffron stock, peppers and other colourful vegetables in season and are finished with lemons and parsley. Paellas are a colourful and healthy alternative to the inevitable barbequed and burnt burgers and sausages. Dessert is fruit in season dipped in white and/or dark chocolate. Home-made lemonade is also provided. Alcoholic drinks must be provided by yourselves.
For prices see the pricelist page.