Antonio Carluccio, the celebrity chef turned mushroom connoisseur, re-awakened this country's love of foraging.

Anyone who has ever read one of his books will know that our countryside is not only pretty to look at but also filled with tasty flora and fungi.

This kind of insider knowledge is something that the wardens at Claremont Landscape Gardens are only too happy to share.

All this week, the National Trust property has been running a series of special events to promote the natural world and it's autumnal bounty, which will culminate in a dawn walk on Saturday.

Michelle Kent, Claremont's visitor services manager, said: "The garden looks truly lovely at this time of year, with the autumn colours coming into their own.

"We hope that our Stomp and Tromp week will help people enjoy learning more about nature and the many and varied things it offers us, as well as the ways in which we can protect it now for future generations to enjoy."

A special Stomp and Tromp trail will be available to collect from the kiosk throughout the week for free, after normal property admission.

The trail follows a path around the garden, giving plenty of information about fungi and food that can be gathered from nature's larder.

Free recipes using food from the countryside are also available from the kiosk.

On Saturday, October 14, the garden will open to the public from 7am to give photographers, artists and general visitors the chance to see some stunning views of the vibrant autumn colours in the garden as the sun rises.

This is the first time that Claremont Landscape Garden has opened this early, and the tea room will be serving warming cooked breakfasts, which must be booked in advance on 01372 467806.

Stomp and Tromp week, Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher. £5, £2.50. For further details visit nationaltrust.org .uk.