Fungi and the law
For gourmets and gourmands
In recent years, prompted by cookery programmes and perhaps by travel abroad, where fungi other than the cultivated mushroom are regularly eaten, fungi have become much more popular as food. There are, however, only a few species especially the chanterelle and penny bun - also known as cep, porcini or steinplize - which are chosen as delicacies.
In Scotland their collection for personal use - and by some as a business venture - can sustain limited exploitation. Many fungi are also eaten by wild animals and this is undoubtedly a stimulus to produce further fruitbodies as replacement structures are ready to spring into growth, provided weather conditions continue to be favourable. Just as picking apples is not regarded as damaging to the tree, picking mushrooms is not generally regarded as a threat to the fungus.
However, expressions of concern by woodland managers about collecting, especially where this is indiscriminate, resulted in a group representing conservation organisations, landowners, mushroom pickers and buyers coming together as the Scottish Wild Mushroom Forum and producing a code of conduct. Trampling is the most damaging factor as, by collapsing the air spaces in the soil and changing water movement, it destroys the mycelium.