Morel Support: fungi season is here, and our veterans are heading into the woods

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There's a moment on every foraging walk when the group goes quiet. Someone crouches beside a fallen beech, brushes back a few leaves, and there it is: a cluster of fungi that wasn't there a week ago. Then the questions start. What is it? Is that gills or pores? Why here?

Right now, those moments are happening every few minutes. Autumn is peak mushroom season in the North East, and the woods are coming alive with fungi of every shape, colour and size.

What we're looking for

On our next walk in Hamsterley Forest, we'll be learning to spot and identify some of the most prized fungi in the woods:

  • Ceps (penny buns): chunky, nutty-looking boletes with a sponge-like underside instead of gills

  • Chanterelles: golden, trumpet-shaped and smelling faintly of apricots

  • Hedgehog fungus: easily recognised by the soft "teeth" under its cap

  • Chicken of the woods: bright orange-yellow brackets on tree trunks that are impossible to miss

Just as importantly, we'll be learning the dangerous lookalikes every forager needs to know. Some UK species can kill, and several deadly ones look very like edible varieties.

Last weeks Hoard

Part detective work, part nature walk

Identifying a mushroom properly means checking the cap, gills, stem, smell, habitat and spore print. It takes patience, attention to detail and a good eye, and plenty of veterans find they already have all three.

Walks are led by Steve Doggett, an experienced mycologist, and there's always plenty of time for a brew and a chat. No experience needed: beginners are very welcome, and the group is neurodivergent friendly.

Our golden rule never bends: never eat any wild mushroom unless our expert guide has confirmed it's safe.

More than mushrooms

The fungi are the excuse. The real point is what happens along the way.

Morel Support is part of Forward Assist's approach to helping veterans live full, connected lives, built around Being, Belonging and Becoming:

  • Being: fresh air, gentle exercise and time away from screens and stress

  • Belonging: walking side by side with people who understand service life, where conversation flows easily and nobody has to explain themselves

  • Becoming: building real knowledge and skill, and before long, passing it on to the next newcomer

"With my ADHD, I struggle to switch off, but out here my brain has something to lock onto. Spotting patterns, checking details, finding the next one. It's like being back on patrol, but calmer. For a few hours, the way my head works is actually an advantage."

Foraging responsibly

We follow the Wild Mushroom Pickers' Code: we pick only what we'll use, leave plenty for wildlife and never pick where it's restricted. We stick to paths where we can and follow the Countryside Code too.

Join the next walk

Morel Support: Veterans Mushroom Foraging

  • When: Tuesday 29 September, 8am to 11am

  • Where: Meet at Wolsingham Train Station, Wear Bank, Wolsingham DL13 3BL. We'll drive to Hamsterley Forest from there.

  • Cost: Free

  • Who: Veterans from all services and eras. Partners and family welcome.

  • Bring: Sturdy boots, weather-appropriate clothing, a basket or paper bag (not plastic, as mushrooms sweat), a small knife if you have one, and a drink and snack. We'll bring the brew.

The route covers woodland paths that may be muddy or uneven, so please tell us about any access needs when you book.

Only 6 to 8 places, so booking is essential. See full event details, then email steve@forward-assist.com to book.

Can't make this one? Morel Support runs at least fortnightly through the autumn, so keep an eye on our events page for future dates.

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