2023 Dates
One day high season breaks
9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 30 September
1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 October
These breaks are aimed at the beginner with an interest in edible fungi. They concentrate solely on the wide range of delicious mushrooms that thrive in our spectacular Mid-Wales scenery. Unlike many other forays, we positively encourage guests to pick mushrooms to taste later, believing that when it comes to exploring nature, it is best to harness all the senses.
Our high season breaks usually convene at 10am in the little village of Abbey-Cwm-Hir (LD1 6PH) on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-September to mid-October (unless otherwise stated). We drive into the woods for a three-hour walk where we collect a range of edible species before returning to a lovingly-restored Welsh longhouse for a wild mushroom-based meal with drinks, field guide (or mushroom knife) and dried Welsh porcini included in the price of £70. Children and dogs are welcome. Lunch is followed by tasting and preserving sessions.
Mushrooms are a wild harvest, so we cannot guarantee results, but on a high season foray we would usually expect to find up to a dozen edible varieties, including porcini; bay-, orange birch-, larch- and pine boletes; shaggy ink caps; parasols; chanterelles; blewits; fairy ring champignons; amethyst and common deceivers; field-, oyster- and hedgehog mushrooms; puffballs, cauliflower- and beefsteak fungus. Along the way we would also see a range of poisonous species, ranging from the unpleasant (e.g. sickeners) to the deadly (e.g. destroying angel).
Earlier in the year we have a range of short, two-hour, forays which target just one or two species, plus any other edible plants that may be available. To maximise the time in the field, we meet near the foray site. This varies according to the mushroom we are seeking, so phone or e-mail for details beforehand, but will be within a few miles of Rhayader. These forays cost £20 for adults, £5 for children.
Family forays
These can be arranged to suit individual groups. Forays generally last two to three hours (the latter is generally recommended) and routes are tailored to the fitness and agility of participants. Light refreshments in the woods (e.g. soup and homemade bread) can be arranged. Prices are based on £50 per hour, but numbers are immaterial. So organise your own group of friends to minimise the cost. Dogs are welcome and guests can take home all finds.
To book please go to our booking page
Click here to download our booking slip.