Spring field caps / Spring / Summer / Edible The Spring Field caps (Agrocybe praecox) are one of the early arrivals in the fungal calendar, popping up in grassy areas and woodland edges as the days start to warm. Its pale, honey-coloured cap and stout stem make it a charming…
Category: Inedible
Splitgills / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Inedible The Splitgill (Schizophyllum commune) might be small in size, but it’s a giant when it comes to intrigue. This delicate, fan-shaped fungus is one of the most widespread mushrooms on the planet, thriving on deadwood in a variety of…
Smokey Bracket / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible The Smokey Bracket (Bjerkandera adusta) is a subtle yet fascinating fungus that you’ve likely walked past countless times without even noticing. Found on decaying wood, especially hardwoods, it’s a common sight in UK woodlands year-round. Its smoky-grey…
Egghead Mottlegill /Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Inedible The first time I came across the Egg head Mottlegill (Panaeolus semiovatus), I was struck by its delicate, egg-shaped cap and intricate mottled gills. This is one of those fungi that catches your eye in horse pastures and other…
Silver leaf fungus /Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Inedible The Silver Leaf Fungus (Chondrostereum purpureum) is a fascinating yet inedible fungus often found in UK woodlands, particularly on decaying hardwood trees and stumps. Known for its role as both a decomposer and a plant pathogen, it’s infamous…
Fragrant Funnel / Summer / Autumn / Toxic The Fragrant Funnel (Clitocybe fragrans) is a toxic mushroom that, despite its alluringly sweet scent, can be dangerous if consumed. Found primarily in coniferous woodlands and grassy clearings during autumn and early winter, this small, seemingly harmless fungus is one foragers in…
Oak Mazegill / Autumn / Summer / Winter / Inedible One of the joys of walking through ancient woodlands is spotting the fascinating fungi that make their home on old, weathered trees. Among these, the Daedalea quercina, or oak mazegill, stands out as a true marvel of nature. Clinging…
Poplar Bell Fungus / Autumn / Inedible There’s something truly special about stumbling across a rare find in the woods—one of those moments when you feel like you’ve uncovered a hidden treasure. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I spotted the Schizophyllum amplum, better known as the poplar…
Hairy Curtain Crust / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Inedible Through this post we’re going to be delving into the Hairy Curtain Crust Fungi that is sometimes confused for the Turkey Tails Mushroom. If you’re anything like me, the sight of fungi peeking out from tree trunks…
Dog Stinkhorn / Summer / Autumn / Inedible Dog Stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus) is one of those fascinating yet divisive fungi that foragers love to learn about – or love to avoid! With its unique shape, bold colours, and, let’s be honest, unforgettable odour, it’s certainly one of the most distinctive…