Wiltshire mushroom foragers walk on wild side
8:53am Tuesday 9th October 2012 in Latest News By Staff reporter
The bleeding, fleshy beef steak mushroom was harvested by The Secret Sunday Mushroom Club, in Green Lane Woods, near Trowbridge, during their second hunt of the season, on Sunday.
The group was set up by Fred Gillam, of The Wild Side of Life, to equip people with the knowledge and confidence to forage safely for wild mushrooms and teach them to distinguish between poisonous and edible mushrooms, over five foraging sessions.
“I regularly provide myself with delicious meals prepared from over 100 species of wild fungi of various sorts,” said Mr Gillam.
“There can be no guarantees when it comes to foraging for wild mushrooms, but joining the club will certainly increase both your confidence and your chances of making some gourmet finds.”
Members learn how to gather mushrooms without adversely affecting future populations or adversely damaging their environment. And they are taught how to preserve and cook them.
Each foray is held in a different Wiltshire location – the first was in Savernake Forest. Participants are notified a day or two in advance where that week’s session will be held.
The club has two further afternoon sessions, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Sunday, October 21 and 28, followed by a day’s foraging on Sunday, November 4, from 10.30am to 4pm.
Members joining the course part-way through will pay a proportionally reduced fee. (The cost of all five sessions was £85.) To find our more or book a place ring Fred Gillam on 07979 109720 or email him at bobdogstar@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.thewildsideoflife.co.uk
