The Wood Blewit mushroom (Lepista nuda). These beautiful mushrooms can be found in the UK’s woodlands in the fall and winter, and they’re worth the hunt. Wood Blewits are a fairly easy mushroom to identify. They have a distinctive lilac-colored cap and gills, and the stem is usually a lighter color. Plus, they have aContinue reading “Wood Blewit”
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Heath Waxcap
Allow me to introduce the heath wax cap mushroom (Hygrocybe laeta). These mushrooms are found in heathland and moorland habitats in all year round and they’re definitely worth keeping an eye out for. The heath wax cap mushroom has a distinctive appearance, with a bright yellow or orange to brown cap that has a waxyContinue reading “Heath Waxcap”
Crocus
Foragers, have you met the crocus (Crocus sativus)? This gorgeous flower not only adds beauty to gardens and meadows, but it also has a long history of culinary and medicinal uses. The most famous use of crocus is in the production of saffron, which comes from the plant’s stigma. Saffron has been used in cookingContinue reading “Crocus”
Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is a versatile plant with many medicinal and general uses. Its leaves and flowers have been used for centuries to treat respiratory ailments, such as coughs and bronchitis, due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. Coltsfoot can also soothe sore throats and reduce fever. Aside from its medicinal benefits, coltsfoot leaves andContinue reading “Coltsfoot”
Parrot Waxcap
What a spectacular mushroom we have here! 🍄 🦜 👀There’s not many specimens of mushroom with such an array of vibrant colours in one. Appearing in either orange, yellow, brown, purple or green, you can tell how they ended being named after a parrot. Although none of the waxcaps here in Britain are poisonous, mycologistsContinue reading “Parrot Waxcap”
Funeral Bell
⚠️As the name suggests, this fella will put you in a early coffin! ⚰️☠️A potentially fatally poisoning mushroom, containing the same toxins as the death cap. A very good one to be aware of as it does look similar to the Velvet Shank which is a delicious winter treat! The Funeral Bell has a skirtContinue reading “Funeral Bell”
False Turkey Tail
This has to be one of of the most common mushrooms I find all year round. A real stunner, however, nowhere near as highly prized as a ‘true’ Turkey Tail mushroom. False turkey tail is not poisonous, however, it’s not advised to eat by most sources. Mainly due to the fact that it’s wafer thinContinue reading “False Turkey Tail”
Pignut
One of nature’s many buried treasures! An absolute wonderful spring treat, well worth the dig! Pignuts are a common find once you know what your looking for. They are likely to be found in areas that have not been disturbed for some years as they take a few years to grow and produce a tuber.Continue reading “Pignut”
Scarlet Elf Cup, Orange Variant
These mushrooms are such a beautiful find. One of the first early signs of more colour coming back into the natural world around us, towards the end of the winter months. This orange variant is an extremely rare find in the UK. I was shocked to find these in a spot where I’ve been findingContinue reading “Scarlet Elf Cup, Orange Variant”
Wood Anemone
If you stumble across this sign of early spring beauty, then you’ll most likely find yourself in a very rare and special habitat. They like to establish themselves in ancient woodlands in particular. Wood anemone is NOT EDIBLE ⚠️ Although there is a history of medical use, including chewing of the root to clear awayContinue reading “Wood Anemone”