After a few wet days the forest smells of soil and leaves. By an old beech tree dozens of small caps suddenly appear, shining with moisture.
What you see is only a small part. The real fungus lives as a web of thin threads in the soil. Many trees work together with these fungi: the fungus gives water and minerals, the tree gives sugar. No fungi, no healthy forest.
How to look without harm:
- Stay on the paths and leave the fungi standing.
- Kneel down and look under the cap: gills, pores or spines?
- Take a photo from above, below and of the stem.
- Never eat a mushroom you do not know 100% for sure.
Want to learn more? The Dutch Mycological Society (NMV) organises field trips. IVN also runs fungi walks.
Bring a backpack that fits your rain jacket, hand lens and notebook: Handmade leather backpack.
Read more on the nature blog or visit the shop.