David Hamilton
Forager, photographer and author
Dave Hamilton is an author, freelance writer, tutor, photographer, forager and explorer of historic sites and natural places. As a freelance nature writer, he’s contributed to BBC Wildlife, BBC Countryfile, Walk Magazine and the Guardian. He’s authored six books, including Amazon top ten best-seller, Wild Ruins and the comprehensive foraging guide, Where the Wild Things Grow. His books have been translated into five different languages selling over 75,000 copies worldwide. Dave has taught foraging to Ben Fogle and Mary Berry and led Guardian Masterclasses on the subject. In his spare time, he walks, cycles and occasionally performs as a stand-up comic.
Recent articles by David Hamilton
Foraging for wild food: 10 tasty wild fruits and plants to find and eat
Discover the joy of foraging with 10 wild foods that are easy to find find and how to use them.
10 historic sites to enjoy wildlife this summer
If you enjoy soaking up a bit of history while out spotting wildlife, you'll love visiting these wild and crumbling ruins across the UK
Seed vs nut: what is the difference between a nut and a seed?
Are seeds the same as nuts? No says David Hamilton, but some seeds are called nuts...
Wild roses and rosehips guide: how to identify, and how to make rosehip syrup
With its white-pink flowers in summer and bright red rosehips in autumn and winter, the dog rose is a familiar plant of our countryside.
What was first - the bee or the flower?
Were bees or flowers first to evolve? David Hamilton takes a look
Rosebay willowherb guide: how to identify, what feeds on it and why it's also called bombweed and fireweed
A familiar sight along roadside and train tracks, rosebay willowherb is a distinctive plant species that is native to much of the northern hemisphere.
How to make rosebay willowherb tea (Ivan's tea)
This traditional Russian tea recipe uses rosebay willowherb, also known as bombweed, fireweed and blooming Sally.
How to make watercress pesto
This recipe makes a fresh-tasting but slightly fiery pesto, which is perfect over pasta or in ravioli parcels.
How to tap a birch tree for sap
Birch tree sap can be drunk straight or simmered to create a lighter drink or sticky syrup. Author and forager David Hamilton shares his techniques for tapping birch trees.
Expert guide to sustainable foraging
Discover how to make the most of nature’s well-stocked larder and find wild food in a wildlife-friendly way.
How to make wild cherry lollies
Wild cherries can be used to make many tasty foods. Horticulturist David Hamilton shares his recipe for making summer lollies.
How to make jumping jack wraps using garlic mustard leaves
Learn how to use the garlic mustard plant, one of the oldest spices cultivated in Europe, to make these delicious jumping jack wraps. Horticulturist David Hamilton shares his recipe.
How to make tasty elderflower shortbread
Learn a new way of using the elder tree to make something delicious with this elderflower shortbread recipe, by horticulturist David Hamilton.