Fungus foray equipmentPlanning a Fungus Foray

Late summer, autumn and early winter are the best times for finding fungi, although there are a few spring species to look out for. Beech woods are without doubt a very rich habitat for fungi. Pine forests, especially where trees have been felled many years ago, are also productive. Finally, sheep-cropped meadows, parks and playing fields can also provide a mushroom harvest to those who get there first.

Checklist

If you are planning a group outing, this checklist can help make for a successful fungus foray:

  1. Basket or compartmented plastic box 
  2. Paper bags (not plastic) to wrap fungi
  3. Camera with macro lens
  4. Penknife on lanyard
  5. Field guide
  6. Pocket magnifying glass
  7. Notebook and pencil 
  8. Food and drink (lightweight packaging)
  9. Basic first aid kit
  10. Watch, whistle, map and compass

And finally, make sure that everyone has a note of the date, time and venue (and perhaps a map, too). Maybe that is stating the obvious, but it's a great shame when poor preparation spoil what should have been an enjoyable day in the countryside learning more about fungi and the rest of the natural world.