This sweet chestnut puree is a great treat and can be made when the Chestnuts are at their very best, then its ready and easily at hand to add to any recipe that calls for it or used as a replacement for peanut butter. I often make this and freeze…
Journal
Cinnamon Bracket / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Cinnamon Bracket (Hapalopilus nidulans) is one of those mushrooms that stops you in your tracks during a woodland walk. Its warm, cinnamon-brown colour and soft, velvety texture make it stand out against the dull greys and greens…
Fenugreek Milkcap / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Fenugreek Milkcap (Lactarius helvus) is a striking mushroom that stands out not just for its appearance but for its unusual, spicy aroma reminiscent of fenugreek or maple syrup. Found in acidic, mossy woodlands across the UK, particularly around pine trees, this…
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…
AI is Transforming Wild Food and AI has the potential to revolutionise wild food collection and could bring fresh perspectives to traditional foraging. Smart foraging tools could help people spot mushrooms and understand their growth patterns better. These AI-powered mobile apps could teach eco-friendly harvesting methods too. New technology creates…