Living off the land

We went blackberry picking yesterday - always one of my favourite things at this time of year. And definite herald of what is my preferred season (or at least the one that seems to sit most comfortably with my personality!).

What surprised me though, was how many there were still on the brambles. Maybe it's just a little too old fashioned an activity for people nowadays.

Did make me think: wouldn't it be great if we were better able to live off the land - growing stuff or just picking it wild (ourselves - not just nipping down the farmers market). You'd get all the flavour benefits obviously. And the 'at one with nature' stuff. But it would also lead to big reductions in processing, packaging and distribution costs (monetary and environmental).

Most of us would just need a few pointers I guess - I've always fancied some wild mushrooms, but have never quite managed to pluck up the courage.

Any tips for going wild in the country then ?