Foraging Vouchers
By Daniel Butler, author and forager
It’s that time of year - but what to give the beloved parent or grown-up child?
(Picture: Author’s own)
As the ghastly seasonal tones of Wham, Wizzard and Slade ring down the shopping aisles, we all stare present questions in the face. Buying something for a child is not too difficult - a bit of plastic which they will forget about a day later isn’t too tough - but it is tricky to buy adults a memorable gift. Let’s face it, if they really want or need it, they already have it.
There are, however, quirky presents. One such is a voucher for an autumnal Welsh mushroom foray.
Wales is crowded with spectacularly edible wild mushrooms
(Photo: Author’s own)
Why Wales? Well, for a start it’s got the perfect climate for many of the most delicious wild fungi known to man. The list is long, but includes chanterelles, girolles, hedgehog, blewits, cauliflower, chicken of the woods and, of course, porcini/cepes. Mid-Wales is also a great venue because it is much closer than most people realise. We are about two hours from Birmingham, Chester, Bristol and Cardiff - and only four hours from London. This makes a day trip possible for many - although local accommodation is plentiful and affordable.
A foraging day is one to remember (hedgehogs, chanterelles and amethyst deceivers)
(Photo: Author’s own)
We offer a full-day mushroom experience. It starts with a three-hour gentle wander in the woods picking mushrooms, followed by a leisurely meal in a lovingly restored 17th century barn, with preserving and tasting sessions to follow. Guests leave late afternoon with their share of the morning’s haul (obviously this varies according to season, but is generally up to a kilo of prime fungal species - sometimes more).
The cost? A full day (about six hours) is £80 for adults with major discounts for children. All dietary requirements and health issues can be covered. Dogs are welcome (and free).
If this is a Christmas present, I can send a personalised card/voucher, which outlines the package, but doesn’t set a date. That can be sorted out next summer by the recipient.
For further details: danielbutler@fungiforays.co.uk or 07794 294221