

Will we ever return to ‘normal’ weather? Although the most obvious climate feature this year was the extremely cold winter, so far it has also been abnormally dry, with barely half the usual rainfall. This has hit pastoral species badly, but at last there is a glimmer of hope . . .
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Read the latest mushroom-hunting news – what is (and isn’t) up, what it looks like and where to find it . . . plus, of course, cooking and preserving tips. Better still, get regular updates in the comfort of your own home by taking up our free subscription - simply drop us a line via the 'Content' page or e-mail danielr.butler@btopenworld.com . . .
Mushroom Newsletter (10 May 2010)Our ancestors relied on wild food from the fields and woods, great great grandfathers were transported for helping themselves, while Mabey, Mears and Fearnley-Whittingstall have introduced a new generation to its charms. So what free delicacies are available now?
AlexandersBritain is blessed with a rich and varied fauna - what seasonal highlights are visible now?
BadgerJust as we Britons have lost any mushroom lore we might once have possessed, so most of us are at a loss when we finally venture into the kitchen with our haul. In reality, however, mushrooms are one of the easiest things to work with. They have such fantastic flavours, the general rule is to not to mask these with complicated recipes. Most should be cooked, particularly the first time, because they can be indigestible, but otherwise, simple is usually best . . .
Baked eggs and rocket with chilli and yoghurt (June 2010)Newsletter Porcini (August 2010)
For the first time in several years, this season is looking really promising. I've been picking some delicious boletes - most notably loads of really lovely young cepes . . . Newsletter_(Porcini_August_2010).PDF
The Goshawk
The really sharp-eyed forager will sometimes be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this dashing woodland hunter on an early-morning foray . . .
Signal Crayfish
Signal crayfish may have no relationship with mushrooms, but are just as delicious as a wild ingredient and really easy to catch . . .
Thai Mushroom Soup
This spicy mushrooms soup is a great way to use up a bonanza of autumn mushrooms which don't dry well . . .
German mushroom knife
These specially imported knives have a hawk's bill stainless steel blade, lanyard hook and measuring scale. The blade's serrated back and inbuilt natural bristle brush allow collectors to clean their finds in the field.