| Archive for NEEPS North East Eco-friendly People's Site |
| greenhorn |
How to learn about the mushroomsHi,I am very keen to learn a bit about which mushrooms can be picked and which to stay away from. Although I have bought a book I am hestitant to go it alone and was wandering if anyone had some advice on how I should approach this. Any help much appreciated. |
| kimmie |
first of all welcome to neeps 
secondly take a book with you...out of 100 mushrooms 60 of them are edible...the problem is knowing which ones. when we go out we always take a basket, and a book...take the mushrooms carefully...including the bulb at the base(this is important in identifying)....dont put any in your mouth.....and make use you cross reference the mushroom with more than one book. some .... like horse mushrooms, and chicken of the woods are easy to reconise... if in doubt...dont eat! |
| wildgarlic |
There are very often courses at this time of the year - the forestry commission run some - we went on one last year and it was really very good.
I can't remember where you are based as it's been a while (Great to see you again) so I've posted a selection of the courses that are coming up this month.
Sunday 14th September cont. Moray Coast Ranger Fungus Foray - Come with mushroom expert Rosemary Smith for a pleasant and fascinating stroll (2 miles) round the woodland tracks and paths of Quarrelwood. Search for caps and brackets in a spirit of adventure and discovery. This is not a harvesting exercise but it is a great walk. Meet at Leggat entrance and car park into Quarrelwood off minor road signposted to Spynie Kirk from A96 just to the east of B9013 Burghead town 10am – 12.15pm, booking essential: doug.hawkes@moray.gov.uk or Tel: (01343) 557048. Saturday 20th September Aberdeenshire Rangers Haddo foray - an opportunity to discover the fascinating range of fungi found around Haddo in the autumn. All welcome, children must be accompanied. Event organised with the Grampian Fungus Group. Meet at the main car park, Haddo Country Park, Tarves 2-4pm, booking essential Tel: (01771) 622857. Sunday 21st Forestry Commission Aberdeenshire Fungi in the woods. Come and learn more about fungi and why they are so important in woodlands. Meet 2-4pm Donview car park, Bennachie booking essential on Tel: (01466) 794161. Sunday 21st National Trust Scotland Crathes Castle adult walk: Fungi Fact & Fiction. Delve into the fascinating world of fungi - we will look at simple ID, fungal facts & folklore. Aimed at beginners. Meet at Castle 2.30-4.30pm, NTS members £3, non-members £5, booking essential Tel: (0844) 493 2167. Aberdeen City Rangers Fungi Fact and Fiction at Hazelhead. Join Liz Holden for a look at the fascinating world of fungi and find out how they help woods to survive. Children must be accompanied. Meet in the main car park near the café at the end of Hazelhead Avenue 2-4pm, booking essential on Tel: (01224) 897400. Wednesday 24th Now... this one looks a little more indepth, but don't quote me - Thursday 25th September - Cairngorms National Park Authority LBAP Fungi course at Mar Lodge. Please book with Rob Rowe on Tel: (01224) 897400. Saturday 4th October Scottish Wildlife Trust Fungal Foray with Liz Holden at Burn O’Vat. Bring a packed lunch for a day investigating fungi. Meet at Burn O’Vat car park (Gred ref: O.S. 37 NO 429 997) at 10.30am, booking essential (please leave your phone number) on Tel: (01224) 483065. |
| Smooth Hound |
 i never knew there were so many courses on it. 8)
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| Smooth Hound |
in france , so im told , you can just take them in a chemist for identification, as it is apart of there chemists training there |
| pete_inthehills |
my brother is quite good at getting mushrooms. He worked for AGIP which is an italian company and nearly all the Italians were in to mushroom hunting.
He'd often have meetings in the woods looking for mushrooms! I've edited my fungi picks to show you which is edible, but you'd need more knowledge before going out and picking them. pete inthehills |
| Fia |
Many thanks for those links, WG. As Greenhorn I'm eager to learn more. I have had many fabulous chanterelles in the last few weeks, and know there's more goodies for free out there. But without adequate knowledge I can't risk it.
Is there a particular book you would recommend, kimmie? |
| wildgarlic |
Roger's mushroom site is EXCELLENT too http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ and there is a book that goes with it. |
| Smooth Hound |
aha its that time is it 8) |
| greenhorn |
Thank you so much for all the info! I will try to get booked onto one of the courses I think.
I am so looking forward to being able to enjoy the taste of mushrooms which I have not had before... |