On the 22nd of June, just after the Summer Solstice, we went on a foraging walk lead by the outstandingly knowledgeable and experienced forager, Amanda Greig from Natures Path Natural Ways.

Midsummer is the time when the plants reach their fullest potential and some believe that at this time they possess magical and healing properties, therefore we chose this very time for collecting natural materials for extracting dyes out of them.

Our venue was carefully selected by Amanda as it is easily accessible by public transport while at the same time it does not experience heavy pedestrian and dog walking traffic, hence - suitable for foraging.

The enchanting community woodland nearby Castlehill Heritage Centre in Castletown has the Sculpture Trail that we took in search of the natural dyes.

We found out that almost everything in nature that is pigmented can work as a dye. The difference lies in the intensity of the resulting colour and complexity of dyeing process.

We learnt very important rules of foraging - taking only what we need, without disturbing the eco system, at the right time throughout the life cycle of a plant.

Amanda unveiled the wealth of uses of the plants that we are surrounded by and take for granted, even disrespectfully call them weeds and do not like to see them in our gardens.

We found out that common plants like nettles, cleavers, cow parsley or docks can be used for dyeing your fabrics, as food, spice or medicine, and are abundant and valuable resource which we dismiss.

We were delighted to be joined for this walk by wool spinning and weaving enthusiasts which turned this walk into a great productive dialogue.