THE WET summer has brought a big boom in mushroom and other wild fungus crops – but would-be collectors are being warned of the dangers involved.

The Forestry Commission is welcoming people into the woods to pick this free crop so long as they do not exceed a basket-full – but are concerned that only people with a real knowledge of fungus should go collecting.

The commission has printed a leaflet guide with advice but some fungus is notoriously difficult to discern from other, similar specifies. One is the death cap which looks suspiciously like a wild mushroom to untrained eyes but is dangerously poisonous.

Anyone taking to the woods is advised to buy a detailed book on the subject or consult the internet for full colour pictures and accompanying advice. But we warned: fungi can change shape and colour during their brief lives.