Autumn Truffle Foraging with Buddy, Ben & Tom
THE PIG-in the South Downs | Thursday 15 October 2026£205 per person
Book NowAs summer gives way to autumn, nutty, earthy and fragrant fungi lie hidden beneath the forest floor, from black autumn truffles through to the first of the burgundy variety, prized for their rich, roasted hazelnut flavours.
At THE PIG, we love making the most of what’s in season right on our doorstep. That’s why we’re inviting you to join us for an outdoor truffle foraging adventure, rounded off with a three-course lunch inspired by the season at THE PIG-in the South Downs.
This hands-on, helpful foraging experience is hosted by three of our favourite wild food and outdoor enthusiasts: Tom Radford, Ben Sweet and his trusted truffle-trained Vizsla x Labrador, Buddy.
Starting at THE PIG-in the South Downs, Ben and Tom will begin the morning with an introduction to truffles, truffle hunting, and wild food. Guests will then be required to travel in their own cars to a secret nearby location (approximately a 15–20 minute drive) where the foraging walk begins.
As you explore, you will get a fascinating insight into your foraged fare, how to find truffles (with or without a dog), how to recognise a good truffle – and how to spot a bad one – as well as how to clean and care for them. Tom will also help you identify what’s edible (and what’s not!), what’s medicinal and what can even be used as ingredients in soaps and cosmetics.
He'll also share the folklore surrounding wild plants and mushrooms, as well as the landscape and history of the area. Of course, there will be plenty of time to ask questions as you go and lots of opportunities for some hands-on digging!
After working up a well-earned appetite, you’ll head back to THE PIG-in the South Down for a pre dining glass of English Fizz and then tuck into a three-course truffle inspired festive lunch, alongside a glass of our very own PIG Cut wine or a non-alcoholic tipple.
When, where, how much…
When?
Thursday 15th October
10am-3:30pm
Where?
How much?
£205 for a full afternoon of truffle foraging just a short drive away from THE PIG-in the South Downs, with a three-course lunch and paired wine to follow in the Garden Room – our semi-private dining room in the glass restaurant overlooking our very own vineyard.
What’s included?
A welcome hot drink when you arrive at THE PIG-in the South Downs, with a friendly introduction to your hosts – Tom Radford and Ben Sweet.
A 90-minute guided truffle foraging walk and talk at a nearby location (to be discovered on the day!).
A pre dining glass of English Fizz followed by a three-course festive lunch at THE PIG-in the South Downs, inspired by your foraged truffle pickings, and our very own PIG Cut wine or a non-alcoholic tipple to enjoy with your lunch.
What to bring with you
Walking boots or wellies are a must and, while we hope the weather will be on our side, we suggest wearing something suitable for all weathers… just in case!
A little heads up…
While we will always do our best to give you the best truffle hunting experience, foraging goodies are never certain until near the time – it depends on things like weather and wildlife to name a few… but it’s all part of the adventure!
Much closer to the time, we’ll have a better idea of what fantastic fungi are out there and where we can find them. So, you may be asked to drive to meet us at a secret location, which will be revealed on the day. Don’t worry – the drive will be no more than 15 minutes, and part of the magic of truffle foraging is its secrecy.
To help protect the site, we’ll ask you to sign a disclaimer on the day, in line with the Truffle Foragers' Code, to keep the location confidential (so it really is an experience not to be missed!).
Walking boots or wellies are a must and, while we hope the weather will be on our side, we suggest wearing something suitable for all weathers… just in case!
As much as we love your four-legged friends, this experience isn’t suitable for other dogs. To ensure a successful truffle hunt, Buddy needs to stay fully focused, without any distractions, so we kindly ask that no other dogs join the experience.
Meet your guides
Tom Radford
Based in the New Forest, Tom is truly passionate about foraging, wild, local and sustainable food. He runs foraging walks all over the UK and is a keen cook and advocate of sourcing and serving wild meat and game.
Ben Sweet
A South Downs-based truffle hunter, certified dog trainer and the driving force behind Truffle Forager – Ben helps people reconnect with nature through the ancient craft of truffle hunting with their dogs.
Buddy
Buddy the Vizlador is 4½ years old and is Ben’s reliable sidekick.
“He was my first dog that I was fully responsible for,” says Ben. “From the moment he arrived, I set myself two goals: to make Buddy the best companion anyone could ask for and to teach him to hunt truffles – a dream inspired by my lifelong obsession with fungi, food, and the outdoors.
