Foraging forfungi is back

Foraging for food is in back in fashion but you must be careful what you pick or your tastebuds and tummy are in for a shock.

Wild food expert Patrick Harding has been studying fungi for over 30 years. Now he’s working to educate a new generation of natural food lovers – and the first lesson is to be cautious this autumn.

“There are so many cooking programmes on TV and so much interest in healthy eating that I’m seeing scores of people out and about foraging,” he said.

“But you really need to know what you are picking and that’s especially true for fungi. Just because something looks tasty does not mean it will be and in the worst case scenario you could end up in hospital - or worse.”

Patrick will be running Forestry Commission fungi workshops in Sherwood Pines Forest Park, near Clipstone, on 9th and 20th October.

There will be detailed tips on identification, how to cook fungi and their other multiple uses, along with fascinating folklore.

Patrick teaches at Oxford, Cambridge and Sheffield universities and is the author of numerous guides, including the Collin’s Mushroom Guide on Fungi.

Events run between 11am and 3.30pm. The cost is £25 and booking is required on 01623 822447. It is suitable for adults and children over 12-years-old.