Epping Forest, Hatfield Forest

Leif · #1 (**permalink**) 25-10-2007, 03:36 PM

Anyone got any recent reports on the above? I'd hate to make a trip in vain.

And are there any sites producing in the Midlands, Northants areas?

And lastly, is the New Forest still poor? I was there at the weekend (Denys Wood) and it was pants. Still, it was a beautiful walk, says he trying desperately to convince himself that the drive down was worthwhile.

Thanks.

JP · #2 (**permalink**) 25-10-2007, 03:55 PM

Theres a complete fungi picking ban on in epping i am led to believe

Leif · #3 (**permalink**) 29-10-2007, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP

Theres a complete fungi picking ban on in epping i am led to believe

Oh no! I was wondering about visiting Epping Forest tomorrow. Do you know if the area is worth visiting to see fungi?

Mind you, I only collect specimens when required for an id. Though quite how you enforce a picking ban is beyond me. The woods are usually crawling with Germans, Poles, Russians and the odd UK person. Oh and wolves. I came across 2 wolves yesterday. (Being taken for a walk.)

There seem to be local hot spots. A few woods are bursting with fungi, while most are barren.

JP · #4 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 05:54 PM

WOLVES! what timber wolves

you sure? Epping forest is a prime fungi hunting area and well worth the visit!

Leif · #5 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP

WOLVES! what timber wolves

you sure? Epping forest is a prime fungi hunting area and well worth the visit!

Yup. Two large grey wolves on leads. I think the Wolf Conservation Trust were doing a display and talk in a wood, and took along two mutts.

Cheers for the info.

JP · #6 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:52 PM

ahh lol u in reading?

Leif · #7 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP

ahh lol u in reading?

I was walking in the Burghfield Common area, near Aldermaston.

Paul mabbott · #8 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 08:30 PM

Epping Forest is an SSSI so, strictly speaking, nothing can be taken without permission - although I doubt that anyone would worry too much about a few blackberries or toadstools!

Still, it is worth considering to what extent, if any, fungus foragers could be damaging the habitat?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP

Theres a complete fungi picking ban on in epping i am led to believe

Leif · #9 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Epping Forest is an SSSI so, strictly speaking, nothing can be taken without permission - although I doubt that anyone would worry too much about a few blackberries or toadstools!

Still, it is worth considering to what extent, if any, fungus foragers could be damaging the habitat?

I am sure that does not stop most migrant East Europeans, Germans and Italians from venturing into our countryside. I don't think fungus picking causes damage, at least not according to the studies I have seen. Fungus picking has gone on for centuries if not much longer in mainland Europe with no apparent harm, except to the pickers. However, as you say picking is banned in many places, including Burnham Beeches, and the New Forest bans commercial picking.

However, I tend not to pick any more than the minimum for an id. I am not even that keen on eating fungi. I could have picked a shed load of Chanterelles today, but left them.

JP · #10 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Epping Forest is an SSSI so, strictly speaking, nothing can be taken without permission - although I doubt that anyone would worry too much about a few blackberries or toadstools!

Still, it is worth considering to what extent, if any, fungus foragers could be damaging the habitat?

One mans toadstool is another mans Cep.