Patrick Harding says folk are heading the woods in big numbers for a nutritious 'credit brunch'

Experts are urging outdoors fans to adopt a war-time approach to food as Britain’s austerity regime continues.

The Forestry Commission said during the Second World War, not only did people dig for victory, they also foraged for it.

And a former university lecturer said more people are turning to nature and scouring the woods for a snack as interest in wild food soars and folk look to save cash.

Patrick Harding of Sheffield said: “There has been a big growth in interest and I’m seeing more and more people out in the countryside eyeing plants, fungi, leaves and berries.

“One obvious reason is to save money, but there’s also growing awareness of the need to eat low-fat, nutritional food.”

“In the Second World War people found substitute ingredients in the woods for everything including coffee, tea, beer and wine.

The Government even published a book to help identify edible fungi. It’s good to see a revival.”

The Forestry Commission is staging a natural foods workshop next month. It said this time of year is good for salads with dandelion leaves making a spicy salad option, while wild garlic is a perfect wrapping to bake fish.

The event will take place a t Sherwood Pines Forest Park, near Clipstone, Nottinghamshire, on 26 May. The cost is £25 and booking is required on 01623 822447. It is suitable of adults and children over 12 years old.

The workshop will run from 11am to 3.30pm.