Michael Davis
Mushroom foraging is a popular activity in the UK, with many people taking to the woods in search of edible fungi. While it can be a fun and rewarding hobby, it is important to exercise caution as some mushrooms can be poisonous, and even deadly, if consumed. When it comes to finding the best spots for mushroom picking in the UK, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, look for ancient woodlands with mature trees, particularly beech, oak, and birch, as these species have a symbiotic relationship with many mushrooms. The age of the woodland is important, as it takes time for the mycelium to spread and undisturbed ground is key. Weather conditions also play a role, with some mushrooms fruiting more after rain, and in colder temperatures. For those in Yorkshire, Wales, and Cornwall, there are reports of successful foraging trips, but specific spots are often closely guarded secrets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Wales, Cornwall, North Yorkshire |
| Mushroom Types | Cepes (porcini/penny buns), Parasol, Hedgehog Fungus, Deceiver, Cauliflower Fungus, Amethyst Deceivers, Chicken of the Woods, Chanterelles, Boletes, Sulphur Caps |
| Time of Year | August, September |
| Weather | Rainy |
| Terrain | Ancient, undisturbed woodland with big trees, mixed woodland, out-of-the-way spots, away from roads |
| Tree Species | Beech, oak, birch |
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What You'll Learn
Ancient woodlands are best
Foraging for mushrooms can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it requires knowledge and caution. While there are many types of mushrooms that are safe to eat, there are also poisonous varieties that can make you very sick, or worse. It is important to only consume mushrooms that have been positively identified as edible.
When it comes to finding the best spots for mushroom foraging in the UK, ancient woodlands are ideal. This is because mycelium, the part of the fungus that spreads underground, takes a long time to grow and needs undisturbed ground. Ancient woodlands, with their mature trees and lack of human interference, provide the perfect environment for mycelium to thrive.
In addition to seeking out ancient woodlands, look for specific types of trees that have a symbiotic relationship with certain mushrooms. Beech, oak, and birch woodlands are good choices, as many mushrooms favour these tree species. The age of the woodland matters too; the older the better.
When foraging, it's best to avoid areas close to roads and paths, as mycelium can be disturbed by compacted ground. Instead, focus on out-of-the-way spots within the woodland. Weather conditions also play a role in mushroom growth. A few days after rainfall is a good time to go hunting, and the colder, wetter months can also increase your chances of finding mushrooms.
Remember, mushroom foraging requires patience and persistence. You may need to revisit spots multiple times to determine if they are good foraging locations. With time and dedication, you'll start to notice patterns and identify productive mushroom spots.
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Look for beech, oak and birch trees
When foraging for mushrooms in the UK, it's important to keep in mind that some species have specific tree partners. Looking for beech, oak, and birch trees can be a great strategy, as these tree species are known to host a variety of mushrooms.
Beech trees, for example, often play host to chanterelle, bolete, and brittlegill mushrooms. Chanterelles are bright yellow to orange mushrooms with a funnel shape and a delicate apricot scent. They are edible and among the most commonly consumed mushrooms. Bolete mushrooms, also known as penny buns, have a brown, bread-like top and a short, pale-brown stem with a veiny network. They are also edible and sought after by chefs.
Oaks, on the other hand, are commonly associated with chicken of the woods mushrooms, which are fan-shaped layers with wavy edges. They are often found on oak trees and are edible, especially when young. Another mushroom variety found on oaks is the porcini, or penny bun, which is also edible and used in cooking worldwide.
Birch trees are also great hosts for mushrooms, including the field mushroom, which has a rubbery texture and is often found on the trunks of birch trees, either living or dead. It is edible, with a strong mushroomy smell and a bitter taste.
In addition to these specific varieties, beech, oak, and birch woodlands are ideal for foraging because many mushrooms have a mycorrhizal symbiotic relationship with these tree species. This means that you're likely to find a variety of mushrooms beyond just those that grow on these specific tree species.
When foraging, remember to be safe and only consume mushrooms that you can positively identify. It's also a good idea to look for older woodlands and to revisit spots multiple times, as mushroom growth can be unpredictable and dependent on factors like tree species, weather, and time of year.
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Avoid roads and unknown mushrooms
When foraging for mushrooms, it is important to keep safety at the forefront of your mind. Avoid roads and unknown mushrooms at all costs.
Firstly, it is important to note that some mushrooms can be deadly. The Destroying Angel, for example, can kill most adults if they eat just half of one. The Death Cap is another dangerous variety. Even if they are not deadly, some mushrooms can make you very sick. As the saying goes, "don't munch on a hunch"! Only eat mushrooms that you are absolutely sure are safe to consume. You only need a small sample to get an ID, so be sensible and always get a positive ID before eating.
To avoid unknown mushrooms, it is a good idea to choose a couple of target species and learn about their preferred habitats and tree species. For example, chanterelles are mycorrhizal with beech trees. Look for ancient woodlands, as mycelium takes a long time to spread and needs undisturbed ground. Fungi will stress fruit when the mycelium hits a barrier like compacted ground or the banks of a river or stream. In general, the older the woodland, the better.
Some mushrooms only appear at certain times of the year, so it is worth bearing this in mind when hunting for specific varieties. For example, ceps tend to flush in August and again in August/September, but they only last a few days. To increase your chances of finding mushrooms, visit woodlands with mature trees and return to spots many times to see if they are good spots. It can take a couple of years of walking around to start noticing things change.
Finally, remember to avoid roads when foraging for mushrooms. Fungi will stress fruit when the mycelium hits a barrier, so compacted ground, such as a footpath, is best avoided. Instead, look for undisturbed ground in ancient woodlands.
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Go after rain, in late summer and autumn
When it comes to mushroom foraging in the UK, timing is everything. Mushrooms tend to fruit in late summer and autumn, and a few days after rainfall is often the best time to go hunting. This is because mushrooms need moisture to grow, and a good soaking of rain can stimulate their growth.
In terms of locations, ancient woodlands with mature, undisturbed trees are your best bet. Look for beech, oak, and birch woodlands, as many mushrooms have a mycorrhizal symbiotic relationship with these tree species. The older the woodland, the better. Foraging a few days after rain, in late summer and autumn, can increase your chances of finding a variety of mushrooms in these habitats.
When foraging, it's important to be selective and only pick mushrooms you are absolutely sure are edible. Take a small sample to get an ID, and remember that some mushrooms are poisonous and can make you very sick, or even be deadly. It's also important to be considerate and only take what you need, leaving plenty behind for others and for the ecosystem.
Additionally, some years are better than others for certain mushrooms. For example, you might find an abundance of a particular species one year, but the next year, they may be scarce due to weather conditions and other factors. So, it's always a bit of a treasure hunt, and part of the fun is getting to know your local woodlands and noticing the changes over time.
By following these tips and going after rain in late summer and autumn, you can increase your chances of finding a good variety of mushrooms in the UK. Happy foraging, and remember always to be safe and sensible when picking mushrooms in the wild.
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Try Wales and Cornwall
Wales and Cornwall are great places to try mushroom picking in the UK. Wales has a variety of wildlife habitats, including ancient woodlands, nature reserves, and forests that are home to a diverse range of mushrooms, toadstools, brackets, puffballs, and other fungi.
Some of the top mycological sites in Wales include the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire, which holds various fungi events and forays. The Waun Las National Nature Reserve, Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve, and Meirionydd Oakwoods National Nature Reserve are also known for their rich variety of colourful mushrooms and other fungi, especially in late summer and autumn.
When foraging in Wales, look for beech, oak, and birch woodlands, as certain mushrooms have a symbiotic relationship with these tree species. The older the woodland, the better. Mynydd Margam between Craig y Groeswen, Taibach, and Goytre is also mentioned as a good spot for mushroom picking.
In Cornwall, you can try picking mushrooms in the woods outside Heamoor, as well as in the Truro area. Colliford Lake in Bodmin is another spot where people have reportedly found mushrooms. When foraging in Cornwall, it is recommended to go at night to avoid trespassing into farmers' fields and encountering cows or bulls.
Remember to always be safe when mushroom picking. Do not consume anything unless you are certain of its identification. It is also advisable to check local guidelines and laws regarding mushroom foraging in these areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom spots are often kept secret, but some good places to start looking are ancient woodlands with mature beech, oak and birch trees. Some good spots for cepes are in Wales and Cornwall.
Mushrooms tend to grow a few days after rain, and some species only appear at certain times of the year. To increase your chances of finding mushrooms, revisit spots with promising characteristics multiple times.
Only pick and eat mushrooms if you are absolutely sure what they are. Even then, only eat a small amount at first to be safe. Avoid the Death Cap, Fly Agaric, and Destroying Angel varieties, which are poisonous.
