Foraging for Folklore: Common Urban Plants and their Stories
Discover the stories and folklore of some common urban plants. Explore how these botanical neighbours have been revered as healers, feared as poisons, or woven into local myths and superstitions. This session will take place offsite.Meeting point:Hampstead Heath overground (Mildmay Line).
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Unearth hidden tales of urban plantsin this fascinating outdoor workshop. Explore the rich folklore surrounding common city-dwelling plants-from dandelions, plantain and nettles, to elder trees, mugwort, and ivy. Discover how these botanical being have been revered, feared, and used, culturally and practically, finding their way into storytelling from across Britain and beyond.
Connect with nature’s narrativesas we share stories of plants as allies and enemies, from traditional herbal wisdom to modern urban legends. Learn how people have relied on these plants for medicine, food, and even magic, deepening your appreciation for the green world on your doorstep. Leave with a fresh perspective on the weeds sneaking through your pavements-they all have stories to tell.
This workshop will be delivered by Dr Chris Collier, lecturer, and ranger with London National Park City, and co-taught by the city’s wayside plants. The meeting point will be sent out before the session commences.
What will we cover?
Introduce some of the folklore and traditions associated with a range of common plants found growing in London.
Discuss and demonstrate some practical tips for identifying some of the plants in question.
Work to deepen a sense of connection to place through a richer cultural understanding of our botanical neighbours.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Recognise and identify at least 5-10 common urban plants and explore their cultural significance, from medicinal uses to supernatural beliefs.
Understand Human-Plant Relationships, examining how societies have viewed plants as allies, threats, or symbols, and reflect on our own modern connections to urban flora.
Develop observational skills to relate to plants beyond their biology, discovering how folklore deepens our bond with the natural world.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore and share relevant experiences will increase what you get out of the course.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught through a mixture of tutor-led discussion and guided, participatory activities in an outdoor setting. This course takes place in an outdoors area, therefore activities will be weather-dependent and participants should dress in weather appropriate clothing. Tutors are not able to control outdoor sound levels and you will need to be able to walk and stand for some time during the session (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating in the space). If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring something to take notes if that is of interest to you. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see our nature and science programme for other walks run by Chris this term.
Christopher Collier trained as an artist, before gaining an MA in Cultural Studies at Goldsmiths and a PhD in Art History and Theory from the University of Essex. He has taught at institutions including the University of Essex, Cambridge School of Art, and Winchester School of Art, as well as presenting internationally at a range of workshops and conferences, including at the ICA, London and CCA, Glasgow. His broad range of interests includes the intersections of art and the more-than-human world, along with art's relations to wider political economy and cultural theory. He is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/foraging-for-folklore-common-urban-plants-and-their-stories3017038Foraging for Folklore: Common Urban Plants and their Storieshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/f/o/foraging-course.jpg2929GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Habitats, Ecology & the natural world/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Courses/vm/Environment & Sustainability/Courses/vm/Inspired by nature2285121112461666136691373012285121116661653<p>Discover the stories and folklore of some common urban plants. Explore how these botanical neighbours have been revered as healers, feared as poisons, or woven into local myths and superstitions. This session will take place offsite.Meeting point:Hampstead Heath overground (Mildmay Line).</p>003017008Foraging for Folklore: Common Urban Plants and their Stories2929https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/f/o/foraging-course_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSunOff SiteAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-05-31T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMay 2026Business, marketing & technologyHS3662929Foraging for Folklore: Common Urban Plants and their Stories232929Christopher Collierforaging-for-folklore-common-urban-plants-and-their-stories/hs366-2526<p>Discover the stories and folklore of some common urban plants. Explore how these botanical neighbours have been revered as healers, feared as poisons, or woven into local myths and superstitions. This session will take place offsite.Meeting point:Hampstead Heath overground (Mildmay Line).</p>0000-Available|2026-05-31 00:00:00<p>Unearth hidden tales of urban plantsin this fascinating outdoor workshop. Explore the rich folklore surrounding common city-dwelling plants-from dandelions, plantain and nettles, to elder trees, mugwort, and ivy. Discover how these botanical being have been revered, feared, and used, culturally and practically, finding their way into storytelling from across Britain and beyond.</p><p>Connect with nature’s narrativesas we share stories of plants as allies and enemies, from traditional herbal wisdom to modern urban legends. Learn how people have relied on these plants for medicine, food, and even magic, deepening your appreciation for the green world on your doorstep. Leave with a fresh perspective on the weeds sneaking through your pavements-they all have stories to tell. </p><p>This workshop will be delivered by Dr Chris Collier, lecturer, and ranger with London National Park City, and co-taught by the city’s wayside plants. The meeting point will be sent out before the session commences.</p><p>Discover the stories and folklore of some common urban plants. Explore how these botanical neighbours have been revered as healers, feared as poisons, or woven into local myths and superstitions. This session will take place offsite.Meeting point:Hampstead Heath overground (Mildmay Line).</p><ul><li>Introduce some of the folklore and traditions associated with a range of common plants found growing in London.</li><li>Discuss and demonstrate some practical tips for identifying some of the plants in question.</li><li>Work to deepen a sense of connection to place through a richer cultural understanding of our botanical neighbours.</li></ul><ul><li>Recognise and identify at least 5-10 common urban plants and explore their cultural significance, from medicinal uses to supernatural beliefs.<strong> </strong></li><li>Understand Human-Plant Relationships, examining how societies have viewed plants as allies, threats, or symbols, and reflect on our own modern connections to urban flora. </li><li>Develop observational skills to relate to plants beyond their biology, discovering how folklore deepens our bond with the natural world.</li></ul><p></p><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore and share relevant experiences will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>You will be taught through a mixture of tutor-led discussion and guided, participatory activities in an outdoor setting. This course takes place in an outdoors area, therefore activities will be weather-dependent and participants should dress in weather appropriate clothing. Tutors are not able to control outdoor sound levels and you will need to be able to walk and stand for some time during the session (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating in the space). If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning.</p><p>There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring something to take notes if that is of interest to you. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear.</p><p>Please see our nature and science programme for other walks run by Chris this term. </p>Science & natureHabitats, Ecology & the natural worldvirtual232929HS366NONESun31/05/2611:00 - 13:0011:0013:001 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendOSOff SiteChristopher CollierBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-05-31T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Business, marketing & technology2929Foraging for Folklore: Common Urban Plants and their Storiesforaging-for-folklore-common-urban-plants-and-their-stories/hs366-2526<p>Discover the stories and folklore of some common urban plants. Explore how these botanical neighbours have been revered as healers, feared as poisons, or woven into local myths and superstitions. This session will take place offsite.Meeting point:Hampstead Heath overground (Mildmay Line).</p>0000-Available|2026-05-31 00:00:00<p>Unearth hidden tales of urban plantsin this fascinating outdoor workshop. Explore the rich folklore surrounding common city-dwelling plants-from dandelions, plantain and nettles, to elder trees, mugwort, and ivy. Discover how these botanical being have been revered, feared, and used, culturally and practically, finding their way into storytelling from across Britain and beyond.</p><p>Connect with nature’s narrativesas we share stories of plants as allies and enemies, from traditional herbal wisdom to modern urban legends. Learn how people have relied on these plants for medicine, food, and even magic, deepening your appreciation for the green world on your doorstep. Leave with a fresh perspective on the weeds sneaking through your pavements-they all have stories to tell. </p><p>This workshop will be delivered by Dr Chris Collier, lecturer, and ranger with London National Park City, and co-taught by the city’s wayside plants. The meeting point will be sent out before the session commences.</p><p>Discover the stories and folklore of some common urban plants. Explore how these botanical neighbours have been revered as healers, feared as poisons, or woven into local myths and superstitions. This session will take place offsite.Meeting point:Hampstead Heath overground (Mildmay Line).</p><ul><li>Introduce some of the folklore and traditions associated with a range of common plants found growing in London.</li><li>Discuss and demonstrate some practical tips for identifying some of the plants in question.</li><li>Work to deepen a sense of connection to place through a richer cultural understanding of our botanical neighbours.</li></ul><ul><li>Recognise and identify at least 5-10 common urban plants and explore their cultural significance, from medicinal uses to supernatural beliefs.<strong> </strong></li><li>Understand Human-Plant Relationships, examining how societies have viewed plants as allies, threats, or symbols, and reflect on our own modern connections to urban flora. </li><li>Develop observational skills to relate to plants beyond their biology, discovering how folklore deepens our bond with the natural world.</li></ul><p></p><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore and share relevant experiences will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>You will be taught through a mixture of tutor-led discussion and guided, participatory activities in an outdoor setting. This course takes place in an outdoors area, therefore activities will be weather-dependent and participants should dress in weather appropriate clothing. Tutors are not able to control outdoor sound levels and you will need to be able to walk and stand for some time during the session (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating in the space). If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning.</p><p>There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring something to take notes if that is of interest to you. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear.</p><p>Please see our nature and science programme for other walks run by Chris this term. </p>Science & natureHabitats, Ecology & the natural worldconfigurable
12461666Habitats, Ecology & the natural worldhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/technology-science-and-business/science-and-nature/habitats-ecology-and-conservation1/2/285/1211/1666/12461/Courses/Business, marketing & technology/Science & nature/Habitats, Ecology & the natural world
The geology beneath British landscapesFull fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
