Fancy Going Mushroom Hunting?

Going into autumn there is something rather satisfying about heading into the woods and seeing what fungi you can find.
You don’t need to be an expert.

Across the UK there are friendly fungus groups that organise fungus forays – walks where people find, identify, photograph and record wild mushrooms and fungi. Beginners are usually very welcome.

British Mycological Society – UK-wide

Probably the best place to start. The British Mycological Society can help you find a local fungus group.

Website:
https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/

Local groups:

Buckinghamshire Fungus Group

An active group organising informal woodland and countryside walks. Beginners and families are welcome.

Website:
https://www.bucksfungusgroup.org.uk/

Herts & Beds Fungi Group

Covers Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, with regular forays and help for beginners.

Website:
https://hertfordshirefungusgroup.org/

Email: hbfg@hotmail.co.uk

Fungus Survey of Oxfordshire

Running since 1987, the group explores Oxfordshire’s woods, grasslands and wetlands.

Website:
https://www.fungusoxfordshire.org.uk/

Email: inkcap@fungusoxfordshire.org.uk

Herefordshire Fungus Survey Group

Runs regular fungus forays throughout the year in woodland, grassland and other habitats.

Website:
https://www.herefordfungi.org/

Email: sharon@herefordfungi.org

Devon Fungus Group

A small and friendly group exploring fungi around Devon.

Website:
https://devonfungusgroup.uk/

North Somerset & Bristol Fungus Recording Group

Organises outings to find, identify and record fungi around Bristol and North Somerset.

Website:
https://www.northsomersetandbristolfungusgroup.co.uk/

Email: nsbfg6@hotmail.com

Leicestershire Fungi Study Group

Organises fungi identification, recording and indoor meetings.

Website:
https://leicsfungi.chessck.co.uk/

Email: membershiplfsg@gmail.com

Norfolk Fungus Study Group

Runs fungus forays throughout much of the year, with more outings during the autumn fungi season.

Website:
https://www.thenfsg.co.uk/

Telephone: 01493 740007

Elsewhere in the UK

There are also groups covering Hampshire, Dorset, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, North West England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

To find one near you, start with the British Mycological Society:
https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/recording-fungi.html

What happens on a fungus foray?

It’s normally very relaxed. You meet at a woodland, nature reserve or similar location and spend a few hours looking for fungi. Experienced members help identify what everyone finds.

It’s a great excuse to get outdoors, meet people and discover things in the British countryside that most of us normally walk straight past.
Autumn is an especially good time to try it. 🍄

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This article is for general information only. The clubs and organisations listed are independent, and their inclusion should not be taken as an endorsement of their activities or advice. Please check all event and contact details directly with the organisation before attending.

Never eat a wild mushroom unless you are certain it has been correctly identified as safe to eat by a suitably experienced person.

Some poisonous fungi closely resemble edible varieties and can cause serious illness or death.

Never rely solely on photographs, apps, websites, social media or AI to determine whether a mushroom is safe to eat.

Always obtain any necessary landowner permission and follow local laws, site rules and conservation restrictions when collecting fungi. Participation in foraging, walks and other outdoor activities is at your own risk.

🍄 Enjoy looking, learning and exploring – but if in doubt, don’t eat it.

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