At the start of the 21st century Britain's wild plants and fungi still play a role in our economy. This book, the first of its kind, explains which species are used, where they are gathered, and how they are processed for the marketplace. Fully illustrated, the book shows that Britain's wild harvest is truly a mix of the old and the new; it explores the size and sustainability of the trade in our native plants, and addresses the conservation issues raised.

Amongst the topics covered are the marsh samphire gatherers of Norfolk, the moss collectors of Aberystwyth, seaweed harvesters in Scotland, and woodlanders and woodland crafts.