Most Britons know little about wild mushrooms – and probably less about Mid-Wales (this is the least-populated part of England and Wales). This is a double tragedy, for our isles have the perfect climate for many of the world’s most delicious fungi and the mild, damp, woodlands of Mid-Wales are the perfect place to find them.
The Elan Valley
Mid-Wales is Britain’s forgotten wilderness and Rhayader lies at its heart – halfway between Hereford and Aberystwyth, midway between Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. The area was flooded over a century ago to provide a safe water supply for Birmingham …. more…
Mushrooms and the Law
Put simply, all plants, animals and fungi on private land belong to the landowner.
Because most Britons distrust and ignore mushrooms, owners are often happy to allow picking, so always ask first, but don’t be put off by official resistance from well-intentioned, but ignorant ‘conservationists’ who try to stop you picking in public areas. Common law effectively gives anyone the right to pick for their own consumption . . . more…
Local Species
Although the search is principally for edible species, we also find plenty of poisonous varieties. Most will just make you mildly unwell, but we also find some of the spectacularly unpleasant and exciting. Fortunately, very few are likely to be mistaken for edible species, so there really is no reason for alarm. Take the destroying angel (pictured), for example: this is both stunningly beautiful and highly toxic, yet it has no resemblance to anything you might want to eat. All the same, it as well to be forewarned – if only for reassurance as you tuck into a delicious meal of your own wild mushrooms . . . . more…
Fungi Phobia
Most of the world’s edible species grow in abundance in Britain’s mild, wet, climate. This is fortunate, for very few can be cultivated and thus they can only be gathered as a wild crop. Despite this, as a nation we seem terrified by the mere thought of picking and eating a wild ‘toadstool, yet on the Continent chefs have long prized their superb flavours ‘……more…
Links
Find a range of mushroom-related sites, not to mention local food producers, activities and some wonderfully friendly accomodation providers . . . more…
