Amanita Muscaria, or the Fly Agaric, the iconic and quintessential mushroom (or toadstool) of European folklore, is one steeped in much myth and legend, both urban and otherwise. Some (mostly mis-informed) people have been brought up with the belief that it is deadly poisonous, others believe it to be the…
Journal
Poison Pie / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Poison Pie (Hebeloma species) is a group of toxic mushrooms often found in woodlands, grassy areas, and even parklands across the UK. With their smooth, pale-brown caps and cream-coloured gills, they might look like an edible treat to an…
Silky Rosegill / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible The Silky Rosegill (Volvariella bombycina) is a stunning and edible mushroom that occasionally graces decaying hardwoods with its presence. Its silky, cream-coloured cap and delicate pink gills give it a striking appearance, making it a prized find for those lucky…
Rooting Shank / Summer / Autumn / Edible The Rooting Shank (Hymenopellis radicata) is a distinctive mushroom often found in UK woodlands, particularly around the bases of decaying hardwoods. With its tall, slender stem and small, pale-brown cap, this mushroom gets its name from its long, tapering root-like base that…
Japanese Rose / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Edible The Japanese Rose (Rosa rugosa) is a delight for me to collect, offering an abundance of edible flowers and vibrant rosehips. This hardy, fast-growing shrub is often found in coastal areas, parks, and gardens across the UK, recognised by its…
Dog Rose / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Edible The Dog Rose (Rosa canina) is a beloved wildflower that adds a burst of beauty to hedgerows and woodland edges across the UK. With its delicate pink or white blossoms in summer and vibrant red rosehips in autumn, this hardy…
Common Dogwood / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is a familiar sight in hedgerows, woodlands, and gardens across the UK, admired for its vibrant red stems in winter and clusters of creamy white flowers in spring. As the seasons turn, its…
White Bryony / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Toxic White Bryony (Bryonia dioica) is a striking climbing plant found weaving its way through hedgerows and woodland edges across the UK. Its twisting tendrils, lobed leaves, and clusters of small greenish flowers give way to bright red berries in autumn,…
Scarlet pimpernel / Spring / Summer / Toxic The Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is a charming wildflower often spotted brightening up fields, gardens, and roadside verges across the UK. With its vivid orange-red flowers and creeping habit, it’s hard to miss and often mistaken for an edible herb by novice…
Snowberry / Autumn / Winter / Toxic The Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a striking shrub originationg in North America. It adds a touch of magic to UK hedgerows and gardens, especially in autumn and winter. Its clusters of pristine white berries stand out against the bare landscape, making it a…