MUSHROOM FORAGING

CLOCKWISE FROM CENTRE LEFT, STARTING WITH THE

SAFETY
Firstly, there are no simple rules to differentiate between a harmful
and tasty mushroom, so before you put anything in your mouth
you must be 100% certain of its identity. Follow these guidelines:
ORANGE MUSHROOM: Lactarius deliciosus (saffron
milk cap), Tricholoma terreum (grey ghost), Suillus sp.
(slippery jack), Leccinum sp. (birch bolete), Lepista nuda
(wood blewitts), Oudemansiella radicata (rooting shank),
Coprinus comatus (Lawyers wig) and some Calvatia sp
(puffballs) in the centre.

FORAGING GUIDELINES
• Be aware that different species grow in different parts of the world, in
different environments at different times of the year. Research what
grows in your area.

• Find experienced people who are already foraging nearby. Look for a
guided mushroom foraging expedition to get you started.

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• Know what species you are looking for, then learn its identifying
characteristics. Do some research before you go out foraging and
find the common name and scientific name of one choice species
you are likely to find in that area. Familiarise yourself with all the
features of that mushroom and research the time of year, conditions
and environment that you are likely to find it in. Also, familiarise
yourself with similar species so you are less likely to be confused.

• When you find an example of your mushroom take good close up

photos of all parts including the top of the cap, the gills or pores
on the underside, the stipe or stem and also include a description
of the location, landscape and any nearby trees (identifying the
tree species can help identify the fungi). Check out online groups
specialising in mushrooms. You can post photos of your finds and
they will help you ID them.

• Try typing the scientific name of the species you’re looking for into
a Google image search. It’s a great way to quickly compare dozens
of photos of that species to the mushroom you’ve found. (Make sure
the images you use for comparison are from specialist sites that
know their fungi.)

• Finally, you can never go past a good book. See your local library or
bookseller for foraging resources.

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 TAKE CARE
One thing is for sure though, NEVER eat a
mushroom unless you are absolutely positive
which species it is.

Remember all mushrooms are edible, but some

are only edible once.

LEFT: Amanita phalloides (Death cap).

BELOW & BOTTOM LEFT: Foraging for
Saffron Milk Caps

FORAGING TOOLS
• Mushroom ID books
• Mushroom knife
• Basket - a woven wicker basket is best.

THE FORAGING DEAL!

When you forage mushrooms you are
participating in a cooperation between animals
and fungi that goes back millions of years. It’s
a deal between kingdoms. They give us tasty
treats in return for us spreading their spores.

So when you find your target mushrooms, make

sure you keep your side of the bargain!

Fill your heart with joy as you put your mushrooms

gill/pore side down in your wicker basket, then skip
through the forest whistling a gleeful tune as you
spread their spores far and wide...

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