Wild Walks South West is a business with a social and environmental purpose. Founded in 2007 by Rachel Lambert to teach foraging in an accessible, fun and sustainable way.
The vision is to bring people together in nature, celebrating 'weeds' and forgotten plants for their amazing qualities. Motivated by the understanding that the greatest threat to our ecological stability is our disconnect from nature.
About Rachel
Forager, Author, Recipe Creator, Artisan Maker, Coach, Guide
Ever since childhood, nature has been a source of inspiration, adventure, creativity, joy and sanity for me. From family forays to gather blackberries, complete with purple stained tongues, to learning by name coastal plants to place on our precarious family camping table.
I was 21 when my relationship with plants deepened, paving the way to become a forager and guide. Aided by friends and experts, my world changed forever when I realised that ALL the plants around me had uses for food, medicine or fibres for making.
I’ve facilitated groups and individuals in the great outdoors for over 30 years and have taught thousands of people how to forage, use and value plants. From inner city children's clubs, grow, cook and eat sessions to university campuses, public parks, beaches and footpaths to people's gardens.
Foraging and plants are the glue that brings together the things that I love; nature, time outdoors, walking, good food, creativity, physical activity and people.
Alongside plant knowledge, I’m an experienced facilitator, certified coach, group coach, a qualified somatic educator and contributor to the book; The Fluid Nature of Being. Nature is not just around us, it IS us and simply acknowledging this can change the way we approach ourselves and our planet.
EDUCATION
2023-24 Group Coach Certification, Action Learning Facilitator Training, Certified Coach, MOE Foundation
2006-10 Diploma: Integrated Bodywork & Movement Therapy, IBMT, Essex (500+ hrs)
2000-02 MA: International Development and Education: Health Promotion (PASS), IoE, London
1993-95 BA Hons: Visual Performance and Theatre (2:1), Dartington College of Arts, Devon
EXHIBITIONS
2026 The Gardeners House, Penzance (TBC)
2012 & 13 Open Studios, West Cornwall
2007 David Simon Gallery, Bristol (solo)
2005 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London
EMPLOYMENT
2007-now Foraging Guide, Nature Facilitator, Author, Cornwall and the South-West
2022-25 The School of Social Entrepreneurs, Learning Facilitator, UK
2008-12 Somatic Movement Therapist, Dance and Movement Facilitator, Arts for Health Cornwall & freelance
2003-08 Community Artist, Freelance Community Facilitator, BTCV, Cornwall, Sure Start, East London
2002- 06 Community Food Projects Worker, Shepherds Bush Healthy Living Centre, London
2001- 04 Care and Support Worker, Plan Personnel, NIHHA
1998-00 Volunteer International Dev. Worker, India, Nepal, Bangladesh
1997- 98 Play Leader/Co-ordinator, Windmill Hill City Farm, Hartcliffe Health and Enviro Action Group, Bristol
1993- 98 Artist, Community Artist/Workshop Facilitator, The Crew Community Arts Group, Bristol & freelance
TRAINING
Nature Connection (2025), Authentic Movement and Therapeutic Presence, 150hrs+ (2007-25), Nature Connection in a Complex World (2024), Mental Health First Aid (2024), Permaculture Design Certificate (2024), Food Hygiene & Food Allergy Certificate (2024), Muir Trek Training (2018), Body and Earth Training, 60hrs+ (2009 and 2012), Advanced Forest Skills (2011), Native Skills 1 (2010), Movement Skills and Body Awareness Training (2017), Training the Non-Trainer (2005), Level 3 Community Assessment and Action Research (2004), Facilitators Training Programme (2004), Participatory Appraisal (2003), Community Consultation through the Arts (2003), Conflict Resolution and Mediation (2001)
