Mushroom foraging is becoming more popular across the UK. Thanks to a rise in emphasis placed on organic foods, as well as the internet making it easier for newcomers to learn how to identify mushrooms, more people than ever are heading to woodlands and fields in search of wild fungi.

But for all the fun and reward provided by mushroom foraging, it does come with risks. Some mushrooms are highly nutritious and delicious, while others are toxic—even deadly. Knowing how to correctly identify mushrooms is therefore essential for safe foraging.

This guide will walk you through the key features to look for when identifying mushrooms, introduce some of the most common edible species in the UK and highlight dangerous lookalikes to avoid. Whether you’re new to foraging or looking to sharpen your identification skills, understanding the basics can help you forage with confidence.

The Basics of Mushroom Identification

Before picking any mushroom it’s essential to know how to identify key features. Whilst some edible mushrooms are easy to recognise, others have toxic lookalikes that can be dangerous if misidentified.

Key characteristics to examine:

Cap Shape & Colour: Mushrooms vary in shape, from convex and flat to funnel-like. Colour changes as mushrooms mature, so it isn’t always a reliable identifier.

Gills, Pores or Spines: Check underneath the cap—some mushrooms have gills, others have pores or spines. For example, chanterelles have ridges rather than true gills.

Stem Features: Some mushrooms have thick or hollow stems, while others have rings or skirts, which help with identification.

Spore Print: Placing a cap on paper for a few hours reveals spore colour, which can distinguish similar-looking species.

Habitat & Seasonality: Some mushrooms grow in woodlands, others in grasslands. Certain species only appear at specific times of the year.

Understanding these features will help you make safer foraging choices. Next, we’ll explore some of the most common edible mushrooms in the UK.

Common Edible Mushrooms in the UK

The UK is home to a variety of edible mushrooms which grow in woodlands, grasslands and even gardens. Below are some of the most commonly foraged species and how to identify them.

Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Appearance: Fan-shaped caps, ranging from white to grey or light brown.

Gills: White gills running down a short, off-centre stem.

Habitat: Found on dead or dying hardwood trees, especially beech.

Season: Autumn to early winter.

Foraging Tip: Easily identified, but be mindful of lookalikes like Angel’s Wings (Pleurocybella porrigens), which can be toxic in large quantities.

Chestnut Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus var. brunnescens)

Appearance: Brown-capped variety of the common button mushroom.

Gills: Pink when young, turning brown with maturity.

Habitat: Found in grasslands and along woodland edges.

Season: Late summer to autumn.

Foraging Tip: Can resemble some toxic species—ensure correct identification before consuming.

Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)

Appearance: Bright golden-yellow with a wavy-edged cap.

Gills: No true gills—has forked ridges running down the stem.

Habitat: Found in mossy woodlands near birch and oak trees.

Season: Late summer to early winter.

Foraging Tip: Has a fruity, apricot-like scent, which helps distinguish it from the toxic False Chanterelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca).

Dangerous Lookalikes – Mushrooms to Avoid

Foraging can be rewarding, but it comes with risks. Some mushrooms closely resemble edible varieties but are highly toxic—even deadly. Below are some of the most dangerous mushrooms in the UK to watch out for.

Death Cap (Amanita phalloides)

Appearance: Greenish-yellow to bronze cap, flattening with age.

Gills: White, turning cream or slightly pink over time.

Stem: Off-white with a floppy ring and swollen base in a volva.

Habitat: Found under broadleaved trees like oak and beech.

Season: August to November.

Danger: One of the deadliest mushrooms worldwide. Even a small amount can cause organ failure.

Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa)

Appearance: Pure white, with a smooth convex cap that flattens as it matures.

Gills: White and free from the stem.

Stem: White, featuring a delicate ring and a bulbous base enclosed in a volva.

Habitat: Found in mixed woodlands, particularly near birch trees.

Season: July to November.

Danger: Highly toxic—ingestion can cause fatal poisoning.

Funeral Bell (Galerina marginata)

Appearance: Small brown mushroom with a cap that flattens with age.

Gills: Initially yellow, turning darker as spores mature.

Stem: Brown, darkening at the base.

Habitat: Grows in clusters on decaying wood.

Season: August to November.

Danger: Contains deadly toxins similar to the Death Cap.

Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius rubellus)

Appearance: Reddish-brown cap with a fibrous surface.

Gills: Brown, darkening with age.

Habitat: Found in coniferous woodlands, often among moss.

Season: Late summer to autumn.

Danger: Causes irreversible kidney damage if consumed.

Panther Cap (Amanita pantherina)

Appearance: Brown cap with white spots, similar to the Fly Agaric.

Gills: White, free from the stem.

Stem: White with a distinctive ring and a swollen base.

Habitat: Found in woodlands, particularly under conifers.

Season: Summer to autumn.

Danger: Contains neurotoxins that cause hallucinations, convulsions, and severe illness.

Foraging Safety Tips

Mushroom foraging can be fun and  rewarding, but safety should always come first. Keep these key tips in mind:

Identify with Certainty

• Use multiple reliable sources to verify mushrooms.
• If unsure, consult an expert or attend a guided foraging walk.

Forage Responsibly

• Only pick what you need and leave some mushrooms behind to support regrowth.
• Use a knife or scissors to harvest without damaging the mycelium.

Mushrooms Not Found in UK Woodlands

Whilst the UK has several species of mushroom, there are several that don't grow naturally here. Let's take a look at some popular mushrooms not found in the UK.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Origin: East Asia.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Origin: Found in North America, Europe, and Asia; rare in the UK.

Nameko (Pholiota nameko)
Origin: Japan.

Don't miss out—these mushroom varieties are available to grow at home from Merryhill Mushrooms.

Grow Gourmet Mushrooms at Home with Merryhill Mushrooms

Foraging for wild mushrooms in the UK is an exciting endeavour, but it comes with challenges, especially when seeking varieties not native to local woodlands. To savour these unique mushrooms without the uncertainties of foraging, consider cultivating them at home.

Why Choose Merryhill Mushroom Kits?

Merryhill Mushrooms offers a range of award-winning mushroom growing kits that make growing mushrooms straightforward and enjoyable.

Shop our range of mushroom growing kits today, including both UK and non-UK mushroom varieties.