by Caroline Bruns of ‘Totally Wild UK’
- Study Mushroom Identification: Begin by familiarising yourself with common wild mushroom species found in the UK. Understand their distinctive characteristics, habitat preferences, and growth patterns.
- Join Foraging Courses and Workshops: Consider joining foraging courses and workshops led by experts in the field.
- Go Foraging with Experienced Foragers: Accompanying experienced foragers on their expeditions can be an invaluable learning experience.
- Attend Mushroom Identification Events: Many organisations and nature centres host mushroom identification events and forays, where you can learn from experienced mycologists and fellow foragers.
- Research Local Mushroom Varieties: Each region of the UK has its own unique mushroom species and ecosystems. Research the local mushroom varieties that grow in your area to gain a better understanding of what to look for during your foraging expeditions.
- Develop a Network: Connect with other mushroom enthusiasts and foragers to exchange knowledge, tips, and experiences. Online forums, social media groups, and local mycology societies provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your community
While all of these steps will build a strong foundation for mushroom foraging, if researching too much will stop you from getting out there why not purchase a mushroom foraging guide book and head out on a walk. You can learn a lot by trying to identify finds as and when you come across them!
When doing any foraging it’s important to prioritise safety and sustainable foraging practice.
It’s crucial to be cautious. Never eat a mushroom (or a plant!) if you aren’t completely certain that you know what it is and have thoroughly researched all lookalikes of that species.
Make sure you use a reliable guide, or better yet cross reference between multiple sources to confirm your ID. Tech-based resources like apps which identify fungi through video are a great way to point you in the right direction, but should not be relied on.
Common Edible Species to Start You Off
Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus):
Habitat: Generally found in a tiered formation on tree stumps, particularly beech.
Characteristics: Shell-shaped cap varying in hue from cream to grey-blue, with a white underpart and short, stubby stem.
Edibility: Edible, with a delicate taste.
Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphurous):
Habitat: Often found growing on oak trees.
Characteristics: Made of fan-shaped layers with wavy edges, soft and creamy in colour when young, with an acid-yellow underside.
Edibility: Edible, especially when young, but may cause an allergic reaction.
Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea):
Habitat: Found in meadows and on sports pitches.
Characteristics: Colossal fungi often mistaken for a football, with young puffballs having soft, clean white skin and firm flesh.
Edibility: Edible, best eaten when young.
Hedgehog Fungi(Hydnum Repandum):
Habitat: Growing in arcs or rings in any type of woodland.
Characteristics: If it’s light brown in colour, growing on the forest floor with a stem and if it has spines instead of gills, it’s a hedgehog mushroom.
Edibility: An excellent gourmet mushroom, it’s sweet and nutty and they store well in the fridge for up to three weeks
Beefsteak Fungus (Fistulina Hepatica):
Habitat: Growing from a dead or damaged oak tree, often low down the trunk or stump.
Characteristics: A tongue shaped bracket fungus that when damaged drips a dark red liquid that looks a lot like blood
Edibility: Best when young, they make an excellent meat substitute. Older ones are great for mushroom jerky.