The type of wild fungi found in the Highlands

There are so many wild mushrooms found in Scotland, and there is always the danger of getting it wrong. Before eating any scotish wild mushrooms, by far the safest thing to do is have the identification confimed by an expert. Also ensure that you have at least three postive ids from books before eating. If in doubt, thow it out. Below is a short list of the key edible fungi found in and around the Cairgoms National Park, and some actually found on the door step of Highland Holiday Cottages.

As mentioned Highland Holiday Cottages plan to run some wild fungi picking breaks later in the year 2008, so make sure you check my blog and http://www.highlandholidaycottages.com/ for more info.

Field Mushroom, main found on pasture land in late summer early autumn.

Cep, Penny Bun, Porchini or latin Boletus Edulis on pine forest floor Autumn early Winter

Chanterelle, found in all kinds of woodlands, but usually found in old pine/birch forest in the local area in summer to late autumn, see some of my old postings for cooking ideas.

Shaggy Ink Cap, also know as the lawyers wig, for obvious reasons. I have found these while golfing, in fact golfing and mushroom picking go well togther, especially when your in the rough as much as me! Found late summer early Autumn, some cooking recipes to follow!

Hedgehog Fungus , this can be found in many of the plantations in the area. Usually in dense firs where there is lots of standing water. A great fungi for cooking and one of my favs as you can see in the piture taken in the kitchen. Late summer to late autumn. Hopefully this will become a more popular mushroom as I seem to find load of them around Highland Holiday Cottages. Also see my fungi map for a better location.

Wild Oyster Mushroom, these can be found from autumn to late winter, in fact I picked some only a few weeks ago. Usually found on old tree stumps and once you have found them, they are always there, year after year.