FORAGE, a Skipton-based bistro, is living up to its name by taking advantage of an abundance of wild garlic growing in its neighbouring woodland.

The bistro has been given special permission by The Woodland Trust to forage for wild garlic in Skipton Castle Woods to use as part of their seasonal menu.

In return for picking and using the wild garlic, the restaurant is making a donation to The Woodland Trust.

Wild garlic mainly grows in the UK in early spring and gives off an incredibly pungent smell. Unlike common cultivated garlic, it's the leaves that are eaten rather than the bulbs. The taste is more delicate and is similar to the flavour of chives.

It's best harvested in April or May before the flowers appear. However, care must be taken as the shape of the leaves are similar to some other inedible plants.

The leaves can be eaten raw or lightly cooked. They can be stirred into risottos or omelettes, added to soups or used in sauces to accompany meat and fish.

Forage owner Hannah Crabtree said: "Having such an abundance of wild garlic so close to our front door means that we can actively promote wild food in Skipton. Showing people how to use wild food that they may not even know exists is one of the things that really excites me, and it’s such a versatile and delicious plant."

The café plans to pick a small basketful each week for the next month whilst the ingredient is in season, following careful foraging rules and being careful not to damage the existing habitat.

Woodland Trust site manager Alistair Nash said: “This is a small, local business, which understands the concept of over foraging and we are delighted to work with them sustainably. Skipton Castle Wood has around 16 acres of garlic. Other people who are interested in foraging should check the guidance on our website.”

Hannah added: “We are really trying to encourage our customers to improve their knowledge and understanding of the local area, the seasons and of wild food, and having so much beautiful wild garlic five minutes walk from the shop was just such a wonderful discovery.”

An English graduate, Hannah opened Forage in mid-December after working in a gourmet cafe in Sydney.

Returning to England, she went on the hunt for a place where she could celebrate her love of working with food and people. Her search ended in Skipton - at the former Russian Tearoom at the top of the High Street.

She chose the name Forage because it spoke of getting back to nature, using fresh produce and homemade products such as pickles and jams.

The cafe is open seven days and the bistro Wednesday to Saturday, serving between 5pm and 9pm.

For more information about Forage, visit foragedeli.com and for more information about Skipton Castle Woods and the other sites owned by the Woodland Trust, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods