Scottish Wild Mushroom Code – Wild mushroom, what and how to collect?
It’s a very good year for fungi, and we have quite a range of mushrooms in our wood that I like to look at but am too cautious to try to eat. But for those of you who are more adventurous than I am here is some useful information:
What to collect
- Wildlife, especially insects, need mushrooms too, so only pick what you will use.
- Some mushrooms are poisonous and others rare and should not be collected – only collect what you know and take a field guide with you to identify mushrooms where you find them.
- Some species are vulnerable, so please consider whether there is an alternative species that is more common that might suit your purpose.
How to collect
- Allow mushrooms to release spores, do not pick mushrooms until the cap has opened out and leave those that are past their best.
- The main part of the mushroom is below the surface; take care not to damage or trample it and not to disturb its surroundings.
- Scatter trimmings discreetly in the same area as the mushroom came from.
Check out these links if you want to know more
- SNH pdf Scottish Wild Mushroom Code
- Picking wild berries and mushrooms – Scottish Outdoor Access Code
- http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/out-and…/berries-and-mushrooms/
- http://www.forestharvest.org.uk/guidelines/Mushcode.htm
- www.fifesmallholder.co.uk
Advertisements