A RESTAURANT is offering customers an unusual opportunity to forage for their own food.

The four-star Lumley Castle near Chester-le-Street is holding special events in which visitors can gather their own garlic, herbs, roots and berries from the nine-acres of ancient woodland surrounding the hotel.

Wild food ingredients will then be transformed by the chefs at the hotel’s renowned Black Knight restaurant, who will prepare lunch incorporating the foraged food.

Groups of around 20 visitors will be given a guided tour of the grounds by bush craft and survival expert Bruce Ferguson, of Wild North Discovery during a one-and-a-half hour walk

He said: “The fascinating thing about Lumley Castle is that parts of its grounds have lain relatively undisturbed and uncultivated for a very long time, which makes them a treasure trove for foragers.

“There is a huge interest in wild food at present, however, not all berries, roots and leaves are safe to eat which is why courses such as these are so important.”

Foraging at Lumley days are scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 22 and October 2, with more dates to follow.

Places, priced £29.50, can be booked on 0191 389 5857 or info@lumleycastle.com.