Foraging fun along the Regent’s Canal in London

British Waterways is inviting visitors to enjoy a unique afternoon out, exploring the Regent's Canal and its culinary connections.

Enjoy your food, then take a waterside walk

Simon Bamford, General Manager, British Waterways London explains: "The Regent’s Canal is a great location to experience the diverse range of food that's on offer in East London. Fish restaurants, gastro-pubs, coffee houses, organic cafes and top-class Thai take-away are all within metres of the canal. Enjoy your food, and then take a waterside walk to help keep you in shape, or alternatively go in search of pudding."

'Regent’s Canal: Yours to taste' will see local waterside bars, cafes and restaurants open their doors to the public to offer tasty treats to visitors who sign-up to the self-guided culinary tour of the area. The tour will take visitors along the historic canalside route of the Regent’s Canal from Victoria Park, along the length of Mile End Park and on to Limehouse Basin.

For those who prefer their food as fresh as it comes, renowned wild food and foraging expert 'Fergus the Forager' - Fergus Drennan will be hosting foraging food trails throughout the afternoon. London rocket, blackberries and mint are just a few of the plants and berries in abundance along the towpath. To the untrained eye many of these plants could be dismissed as weeds and scrub, but Fergus will demonstrate that more often than not there's a tasty ingredient to be had.

Amazed at the number of different wild foods on offer along the waterways

Fergus said: "An urban towpath wouldn't normally be a location that I'd forage from, but I've been amazed at the number of different wild foods on offer along the waterways. Foraging for food can be very satisfying, but it pays to be careful. You really have to know your plants to avoid any unpleasant results! I'd recommend washing food before eating it, and only eat something if you are 110% sure that you know what it is."

Amazing animal encounter and pond-dipping sessions will keep children entertained, as they discover more about the creatures and creepy-crawlies that share our local environment. Whilst a regular free boat-bus service along the canal will enable visitors to get a different view of the area, slowing down to a narrowboat's pace of 4mph, and getting up close to the waterway wildlife.

Guided historical walks around Limehouse Basin and live music are also on offer to keep the mind, as well as the stomach, satisfied throughout the afternoon.

The event is part of a series of activities designed to encourage local people to get out and about and discover the waterways on their doorstep.

Simon Bamford commented: "We want local people to enjoy their canal, and appreciate what it can offer them. It’s everything from a short-cut to work, to an open-air work out and running route or a family favourite for a weekend walk."