This is the only picture I could get hold of before the program aired, and I honestly think it was taken on a Nokia 7650 - if only they'd had some decent camera gear onsite…

So yes, before Christmas 2020 this happened.

I was contacted via a friend and colleague, and asked if I would be interested in working as a foraging consultant on an upcoming TV program being filmed ‘somewhere in the Wye Valley’ by a production company called Tuesday’s Child. There was no hint of what the programme was, other than that they obviously wanted some foraging guidance for it, and if I’m honest, there was even less indication of who was going to be in the programme. All very hush hush.

But my interest was piqued, and I wasn’t going to turn down a paying job in the middle of the strangest period of my - actually, surely everyone’s - lifetime so far…

Upon arrival, I was instantly submerged in the very weird, hugely Covid-compliant, hustle and bustle of a TV crew preparing for something. But still nobody was forthcoming. So whilst I waited, and after a quick chat with the director, I headed off to see what was actually available to forage on this cold, damp autumnal morning. And the answer was not much of any huge excitement - if I’m honest we were probably about 6 weeks too late, but depending on just how much they wanted, there was just about enough.

But then, lo and behold, on my way back to see the crew, who should I spy walking down a country lane, actually being filmed already…

It was only b!*@£% SANDI TOKSVIG & PRUE LEITH.

Cue a fair bit of waiting around in the background before there was more clarity. The idea was that I was there to go through what was around with Prue, and then she would do all the ‘to camera’ bits. Obviously. And absolutely fine by me.

But somewhere along the way, excitingly - although I still maintain stupidly on their behalf - it was suggested by Sandi & Prue that I went on camera. So I don’t need to tell you how awesome they were… And as with all the crew at Tuesday’s Child, they were amazing to work with.

And you can see the results - hopefully it’s still available online… Click here to watch the episode on All4.

The absolutely stunning Hudnalls Hideout, a wonderfully secluded treehouse set in a 2 acre private wood, bordering the larger Hudnalls ancient woodland. The beautiful location, nestled away within the wonderful Wye Valley, allows you to truly connec… — The absolutely stunning Hudnalls Hideout, a wonderfully secluded treehouse set in a 2 acre private wood, bordering the larger Hudnalls ancient woodland. The beautiful location, nestled away within the wonderful Wye Valley, allows you to truly connect with the outdoors, and totally switch off from modern day tech distractions. And this was where the segment of the episode of Extraordinary Escapes I appeared in was filmed.

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For me, the best bit about passing my knowledge and ideas to others is when I get to see it put into practice. So if you do try out your own version of any of the ideas you've seen in my posts, please share them with me on social media, tagging @cotswoldforager