Candlesnuff fungus / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Inedible The Candlesnuff Fungus, scientifically known as Xylaria hypoxylon, is a remarkable ascomycetous fungus that graces the woodland with its intriguing presence throughout the year, but particularly during the colder months of late autumn and winter. This enigmatic…
Tag: winter
Amethyst Chanterelle / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible The Amethyst Chanterelle (Cantharellus amethysteus) is a captivating mushroom known for its striking purple hue and delightful flavour. This identification guide aims to help mushroom enthusiasts and foragers recognise this unique fungus in the wild. Found in deciduous and coniferous…
Winter Chanterelle soup is as comforting as it is delicious, offering a rich and earthy flavour that captures the essence of the season. This soup is the perfect antidote to cold winter days, providing warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. It’s dark and raining, you have been out all day…
Winter Chanterelles on toast is as quick to enjoy as it is to make, unadulterated and massively underrated! This dish offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures that can elevate a simple meal to a gourmet experience. Basic mushrooms on toast, when correctly seasoned and cooked, can be a…
Field Bindweed / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Toxic Field bindweed is a persistent and troublesome perennial weed, much hated by gardeners. Its is a toxic plant in the Morning Glory family, it’s generally 20–100 cm tall and it trails or climbs up other plants. Common Names…
Red Campion / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible Red Campion is a common, native wildflower. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that produces beautiful, bright pink flowers, which bloom in spring and early summer. Common Names Robin hood, Robin-run-in-the-hedge, Adder’s flower Botanical Name Silene…
Elm / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible There are many species of Elm such as the English Elm (Ulmus procera), Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) and Field Elm (Ulmus minor). All were sadly affected by the fungal Dutch elm disease which came to the UK in the…
Wintercress / Spring / Winter / Edible Wintercress is a biennial member of the Cabbage family, it’s not overly common but it’s a great plant to find over winter when other greens have disappeared. Common Names Wintercress, Winter cress, Yellow rocket, Herb Barbara, Rocketcress, Winter rocket, Wound rocket Botanical Name…
Alternate-leaved Saxifrage / Spring / Summer / Autumn / Winter / Edible There are a couple of types of Saxifrage, they all tend to grow in woodlands and provide good foraging through all seasons. Typically slightly dry but a nice addition to most dishes. Common Names Alternate-leaved Saxifrage Botanical Name…
Traditionally November marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, but there’s still space to head out foraging in November. It’s really the foragers last chance to collect and preserve ingredients to last throughout the winter. In some parts of the country snow will already have…