Here you can find a range of tools to help you with your mushroom forays...

To get started, the best thing to know about mushroom picking is that there is no 'golden rule' when it comes to identifying unfamiliar mushrooms - edible or otherwise. Try not to listen to 'old wives tales' you may have heard or even read about. Deadly poisonous toadstools can share the same characteristics as many edible ones. This is a mistake you don't want to make. Some people also mention 'taste' as a good pointer, but this is not highly recommended unless you know what species you are dealing with. A nibble on a Death Cap could turn out to be very unpleasant!

Of course, many genera of mushrooms have familiar and reliable traits, but it's always best to know ALL of their specific features. Some species are ridiculously obvious to recognise, like the Giant Puffball, but 'sore thumbs' like these are few and far between. If there was to be a steadfast rule to follow, it would be this: 'If you don't know its name or if you have any doubt as to its Identity, then do not eat it. Simple.

But don't be put off by all this negative scaremongering, it's there purely for safety reasons. Enjoying wild mushrooms for food or as a casual interest can be very rewarding. You won't easily forget your first taste of a full-flavoured field mushroom or the aromatic smell of a parasol mushroom. But as a basic rule, it's wise to employ a sensible attitude when dealing with new discoveries. Play by these rules and you'll be OK. The following may all look very in-depth and over the top, but once you're used to the process it can help you overcome basic ID obstacles. It's all part of the fun!