Mushrooms are everywhere once you know where to look. From shady woodlands to grassy verges, the UK is home to an astonishing range of fungi — some delicious, some deadly and many just downright odd.

If you’ve ever spotted one on a walk and thought, “Can I eat that?” — you’re not alone. But when it comes to wild mushrooms, curiosity has to be paired with caution. Whilst a handful are safe and edible, others can make you seriously ill or even be life-threatening.

This guide is designed to help beginners get familiar with some of the most common mushrooms found across the UK. It’s not a complete list, and it’s definitely not a licence to forage freely — but it will give you a solid starting point. We’ll look at mushrooms that are edible (with caution), toxic species to avoid and some that are just interesting to know about. Plus, we’ll share some safety tips and show you where these mushrooms tend to grow.

If you’re keen to explore the world of mushrooms, start with observation — not with your plate. And if you’re ever in doubt, the safest answer is always: leave it out.

1. Edible Mushrooms (With Caution)

There are edible wild mushrooms in the UK, but here’s the catch: many have toxic lookalikes that grow in the same habitats and seasons. That means even experienced foragers have to be absolutely certain before they pick — and beginners should focus on learning to recognise species first, rather than eating them.

The mushrooms below are commonly foraged and widely considered edible — but only if correctly identified, picked at the right stage, and cooked properly. Always cross-check with a reputable guide and never rely on a single photo or app.

Field Mushroom (Agaricus campestris)

You might already know this one — it’s the wild cousin of the button mushrooms sold commonly in shops. Field mushrooms grow in grassy areas, often appearing after rainfall from late summer into autumn. The cap is usually white or pale brown and smooth to the touch. Underneath, the gills start out pink and gradually darken to a chocolate brown as the mushroom matures.

Field mushrooms give off that familiar mushroomy scent, and as the name suggests, you’ll usually find them in playing fields, pastures or parks.

But take care — the Yellow Stainer, a toxic species, looks almost identical at first glance. A giveaway is the chemical smell (a bit like ink or disinfectant) and a yellow stain on the base when bruised.

Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)

Chanterelles are among the most recognisable and sought-after wild mushrooms in the UK. They stand out with their golden-yellow colour, wavy edges, and ridges (rather than gills) that run down the stem. You’ll usually catch a gentle fruity scent if you pick one up — some say they smell like apricots.

They grow in mossy woodland, particularly under beech and birch, and often appear in the same places year after year.

However, don’t confuse them with the False Chanterelle, which is a deeper orange and has thinner, more gill-like structures underneath. That one can cause stomach upset if eaten.

Shaggy Inkcap (Coprinus comatus)

You’ll often see these growing in grassy verges or disturbed ground in late summer and autumn. When young, they have a tall, white, cylindrical cap covered in shaggy scales — they almost look like they’re wearing an old woolly jumper. As they age, they dissolve into a black inky mess (hence the name).

They’re edible when young and firm, but once the black ink starts to appear, they’re past their best. Some inkcaps also react badly with alcohol, so it’s worth being cautious.

Porcini / Cep (Boletus edulis)

Thick, chunky and easy to miss among fallen leaves, the porcini is a favourite among chefs. You’ll find them in broadleaf woodlands, particularly under oak or beech. The cap is brown and smooth, whilst the underside has a spongy layer instead of gills. Their stem is fat and often patterned with a net-like texture.

Porcini mushrooms smell slightly nutty and are considered one of the safest mushrooms to eat if you’re confident in your identification.

But — and it’s a big but — some other Boletus species are bitter or toxic, especially those with red or orange pores or ones that stain blue when cut or bruised.

Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera)

If you see a huge mushroom standing tall like a dinner plate on a stalk, you might be looking at a parasol. They can reach up to 30cm wide and often grow in grasslands or on woodland edges. The cap is scaly with a raised central bump, and the long stem has a snakeskin-like pattern.

These mushrooms are considered a good edible — but they also have lookalikes. The Shaggy Parasol, for instance, causes stomach upset in some people, and smaller Lepiota species can be toxic.

So, as impressive as they look, parasols should only be picked by those with solid ID experience.

2. Toxic & Deadly Mushrooms

Some of the UK’s most dangerous mushrooms don’t look particularly threatening — which is exactly what makes them so risky. Many grow in the same environments as edible species and can appear almost identical at first glance.

Below are five you should be able to recognise, if only to avoid them.

Death Cap (Amanita phalloides)

This is the most toxic mushroom in the UK. Even a small amount can cause liver failure, and cooking won’t destroy the poison. It tends to grow beneath oak and beech trees in late summer to autumn.

It looks ordinary: pale green or yellowish cap, white gills and a bulbous base often hidden underground. The gills don’t turn brown with age — a helpful way to distinguish it from edible agarics like the field mushroom.

Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)

With its bright red cap and white spots, this one’s straight out of a storybook — but it’s not to be eaten. Fly Agaric contains psychoactive compounds that can cause nausea, confusion and hallucinations.

It’s most commonly found under birch and pine trees and tends to appear in autumn. Although some cultures have historically used it, in the UK it’s best admired, not consumed.

Yellow Stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus)

This one’s dangerous because it’s so easily confused with edible field mushrooms. It looks almost the same — white cap, brown gills — but bruises yellow near the base and gives off a strong chemical smell.

Found in gardens, parks and fields, it’s a common cause of mushroom-related stomach upsets in the UK.

Funeral Bell (Galerina marginata)

This small brown mushroom grows on dead wood and tree stumps, often in clusters. It might not catch your eye, but it contains the same deadly toxins as the Death Cap.

It’s easily mistaken for edible wood-loving mushrooms like Velvet Shank, which makes it particularly dangerous to foragers.

Fool’s Funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa)

This small white mushroom is sometimes found in fairy rings on lawns or grassy areas. It has a funnel-shaped cap and crowded white gills.

Despite its innocent look, the Fool’s Funnel mushroom contains muscarine — a toxin that can cause sweating, nausea, blurred vision and more serious symptoms in larger amounts.

3. Inedible or Easily Mistaken Mushrooms

Not all wild mushrooms are harmful — but that doesn’t mean they’re good to eat. Some are too tough, bitter, or odd-smelling to be considered edible. Others look just enough like edible species to cause confusion. Here are a few you’re likely to spot around the UK that fall into that middle ground.

Earthball (Scleroderma citrinum)

These round, brown fungi often look like puffballs at first glance, but they’re not the same. Earthballs have a tough skin and a dark, spore-filled interior. They grow in woods and on heathland and can cause stomach upset if eaten.

Stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus)

A mushroom you’ll smell before you see. Stinkhorns emerge from a jelly-like egg and grow into tall, white stems topped with a brown, foul-smelling cap. Flies love them. People, not so much.

Fairy Inkcap (Coprinellus disseminatus)

These delicate, greyish mushrooms grow in large clusters on rotting wood. They look magical, but they’re not considered edible — too fragile and insubstantial to bother with.

Common Puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum)

Edible when young and white inside, but only if you know exactly what you’re picking. Once mature, they release a puff of brown spores. Beginners often confuse them with earthballs — so unless you’re confident, best to leave them.

Where Mushrooms Grow: Spotting by Habitat

The mushrooms in this guide grow in a mix of environments — from open fields and woodland trails to roadside verges and shady garden corners. Paying attention to where a mushroom appears can offer valuable clues about its identity, especially when shape and colour alone aren’t enough.

Tips for Safe Identification

Mushrooms can be tricky to tell apart. Always check multiple features — not just the cap. Look at the gills, stem, smell and where it’s growing. Don’t rely on one photo or an app alone. When in doubt, leave it out — it’s not worth the risk!

Merryhill Mushrooms- A Safer Way to Enjoy Mushrooms

Mushroom spotting is a brilliant way to connect with nature — but when it comes to eating them, caution is key. If you’d prefer to enjoy mushrooms without the risk, try growing your own at home. Our mushroom grow kits offer a safe, satisfying way to get started.

Explore Merryhill Mushrooms today.