Hidden Gems in the Wild
Listen, if your autumn aesthetic needs a boost, it’s time to go on a nature hunt. According to James Benwell from the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, searching for fungi is the ultimate way to level up a basic walk. From fairytale-style toadstools to fungi that look like bird nests, there’s a whole secret world chilling right under your feet.
Spotting vs. Picking
Experts say you should definitely be looking for cool species like the iconic red-and-white fly agaric or the rare (and admittedly kind of gross-smelling) red cage fungus. But here is the real talk: just photograph them. Don't pick them.
Lucas Large, chairman of the West Midlands Fungus Group, says there’s no easy cheat code to tell if a mushroom is safe or straight-up toxic.
"The only way to do it is to know which one it is," Large explained.
Some species found in the UK can legit make you sick or even kill you, so definitely don't try to make a snack out of your findings. Benwell’s advice is a total mood: "The best place to get your mushrooms if you want to eat them is the supermarket."
Why it matters
Fungi spotting is lowkey the best way to get outside and connect with nature this season. Just remember to admire the vibes, snap a pic for the grid, and leave the foraging to the pros so you don't end up in an L situation.
