Responsible Foraying

The primary purpose of this group is to collect fungi for identification, in order to produce a fungus inventory of the woodland site for the owners or management authority.  Our parent organisations, the British Mycological Society and the Association of British Fungus Groups have a strict policy on conservation of fungi, including for the picking of edible fungi.  Modest collection of edible fungi for personal consumption is allowed.  However, the collection of large numbers of fungi for distribution or sale is actively discouraged.  In fact the collection of fungi for profit is breaking the law and may result in criminal proceedings against both the collector and recipient.

All forays are undertaken according to the nationally agreed guidelines in the leaflet entitled “The Wild Mushroom Pickers Code of Conduct” published by Natural England.

Forays only take place with the landowners permission.  We must therefore respect both their wishes and the principles of the countryside code and particularly on the picking of edible fungi.  By attending a Cotswold Fungus Group foray you will be signalling your agreement to abide by these codes and guidance. 
Collecting Fungi and the Law

There are two main laws that refer to the protection of fungi

• The Theft Act 1968 which applies only in England and Wales
• The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and similar laws in Northern Ireland and Scotland

In addition, there are laws relating to 'magic mushrooms' as defined by the Drugs Act 2005 (which amends the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971).  Download a summary of the provisions of the Drugs Act  (Word file)