A visit to Tromsø local branch meet up of AOF: What the Norwegians Get Right About Foraging

There’s something quietly powerful about stepping into another country’s relationship with nature. During my recent visit to Tromsø, Norway I was invited to take part in a local meet-up with the Norwegian foraging community at The Artic University of Norway - and it left a lasting impression.

Not just because of the landscape (though Arctic light and snow-covered ground will do that), but because of how deeply embedded foraging is within Norwegian culture.

A Living Culture of Knowledge

The gathering brought together people of all ages—students, scientists, hobby foragers, and deeply experienced experts. What struck me most was the shared language of knowledge.

In Norway, foraging is supported by a national organisation: The Norwegian Association for Mycology and Foraging.

https://soppognyttevekster.no/en/

About the Organisation

The Norwegian Association for Mycology and Foraging (NSNF) is a nationwide, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting knowledge and use of wild edible plants and mushrooms. It brings together thousands of members across dozens of local societies, creating a strong, decentralised network of learning and practice. 

Their work goes far beyond casual foraging. They run:

• Foraging walks and structured courses

• Cooking workshops using wild ingredients

• Mushroom identification stations staffed by trained experts, called Mushroom Control

• Citizen science initiatives contributing to biodiversity records

At its core, the organisation is built on one key principle: knowledge first. Safe, confident foraging begins with accurate identification and deep ecological understanding. 

They also play an important role in conservation - encouraging sustainable harvesting while actively contributing to species monitoring and environmental decision-making. 

What We Can Learn

Spending time with this community made one thing very clear:

We have a lot to learn from the Norwegians.

In the UK, foraging is growing - but it often sits on the fringes. In Norway, it feels integrated. Also, it feels deeply rooted in their hertiage.

Here are a few things that stood out:

1. Structure creates confidence

There is a clear pathway from beginner to expert. Courses, certifications, and local groups make learning accessible and safe.

2. Community is everything

This isn’t a solitary practice. It’s social, intergenerational, and shared. Knowledge is passed on in real time, in the field.

3. Science and tradition sit side by side

There’s equal respect for ancestral knowledge and modern ecological science. One strengthens the other.

4. Foraging is part of public life

From universities to local councils, there is visible support for this way of engaging with the land.

A Personal Reflection

As someone who works to reconnect people with nature, this experience felt both inspiring and slightly challenging.

It made me reflect on how we can raise the standard of foraging culture back home - not just through walks and workshops, but by building something more connected, more rooted, and more enduring. Because foraging isn’t just about food. It’s about relationship. It’s about noticing. It’s about remembering that we are part of the ecosystem, not separate from it.

And in Tromsø, that relationship is alive and well.

‍During the presentation at ‍UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the focus was on how traditional knowledge - particularly ethnobotany - can help people adapt to the harsh realities of northern living. The theme “Winter is coming soon” framed a deeper exploration of how communities have historically relied on wild plants and ecological understanding to prepare for and endure long Arctic winters. It felt like a powerful blend of science and tradition, highlighting not just survival, but resilience and ingenuity rooted in a close relationship with the land.