About
I am a food writer, foraging educator and social scientist exploring the seasonal richness of the wild Scottish larder. Through recipes, storytelling, events and research, my work connects the kitchen to the landscape and aims to foster deeper relationships between people and the natural world.
About Leanne
I was born in Yorkshire and have called Scotland home for my entire adult life. A forager for over twenty years and an educator for a decade, my culinary foundation was built in professional kitchens in my younger years, providing a practical insight into the world of food that would become a lifelong passion. I strongly believe that food is one of the most powerful routes to connecting people with nature and the seasons.
As a food writer and recipe creator, I explore the seasonal depth of the wild Scottish larder. My work centres on the joy of the harvest and how foraging can transform us into passionate stewards of our natural habitats. I lead foraging workshops and events in Scotland, and engage with a wide audience online through education, storytelling and developing recipes that bridge the gap between the modern kitchen and the wild earth.
This creative practice is informed by my career as an established social scientist. My research explores rural food systems and the connections between humans and the rest of nature, providing a scholarly perspective to my work on environmental stewardship and wild food practices. I am a Trustee of my local woodland and live in Aberdeenshire with my husband, two children, and a well-loved menagerie of dogs and cats. When I’m not deep in the woods, I can often be found tending my vegetable patch in my garden.
Learn more in media appearances
01
I was invited to talk with the brilliant "Welcome to the Mushroom Hour" about all things foraging - we cover how I got into foraging and began to teach, the foraging culture and opposing values in the UK, reconnections with nature and its importance in our current climate crisis, and research I'm carrying out to explore these important topics. Listen to the podcast here.
02
In this podcast I talk with Miles Irving, owner of Forager Ltd. and author of the The Foraging Handbook. The conversation looks in depth at the practice of foraging as a form of dwelling in place, and considers its role in cultural heritage, well being and environmental stewardship. We talk about the role that foraging can play in local food systems and rural economies. Listen to the podcast here.
03
In this article, I share five foraging facts to equip readers with the knowledge they need to get started with foraging. Learn about legal aspects of foraging, as well as important safety aspects and environmental considerations. Read the article here.
04
In this article I share my journey to North East Scotland-based wild food specialist and instructor. Read the article here.
05
Andi and Miquita Scottish odyssey takes an unexpected turn as they delve into the world of foraging in Alford with expert Leanne Townsend (Wild Food Stories). This episode uncovers the hidden treasures of Aberdeenshire's landscape, from chanterelles to hogweed, revealing how nature's bounty can transform both plate and perspective. Listen to the podcast here.
“I’ve worked with Leanne on a number of whisky and foraging events and she is brilliant at what she does. Her knowledge is exceptional, but just as importantly she has a real talent for making it engaging and accessible. She’s personable, professional and always an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Mitch Bechard, Founder, CopperCairn
