Fungi of the Moors
From jewel-bright waxcaps on ancient grassland to great shelving brackets on old oaks — autumn transforms the moors into a fungal wonderland.
What's best right now
Late Summer (Aug)
First species appear — look for early waxcaps in ancient grassland after rain.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Peak season. Waxcaps, fly agarics, birch boletes and bracket fungi at their best.
Late Autumn (Nov)
Many species persist into November. Wood ears and brackets can last into winter.
Winter–Spring
Velvet shank and King Alfred's Cakes visible. Minimal fruiting. Mycelium active underground.
Moorland Fungi
A selection of the species you're most likely to encounter across the three moors.
Fungi Foraging — Stay Safe
- •Never eat anything you cannot identify with 100% certainty — many toxic species closely resemble edible ones.
- •Do not pick on nature reserves or National Park land without a licence — collecting is restricted in many areas.
- •Leave waxcaps alone — they grow on nationally rare ancient grassland. Picking harms the habitat.
- •Photograph, don't pick — a good photo is more valuable than a basket full of mystery mushrooms.