Countryside ranger gives a talk on all things fungi at Lockerbie and District Rotary Club

Countryside ranger Duncan Ford explained the dangers of eating unidentified mushrooms..

Duncan Ford, the countryside ranger on Hoddom and Kinmount Estates was the guest speaker at the latest meeting of Lockerbie and District Rotary Club.

Duncan has been in his post for 34 years had chosen to talk about fungi, one of his hobbies, and he gave a very illuminating and colourful presentation to dispel the myth of how many mushrooms were poisonous.

There are reckoned to be 12-15,000 species of fungi out there and probably more when you consider how many look-a-likes there are. He did emphasize several times that correct identification is essential – particularly for foragers. Lots of fungi are edible, but there is a difference between being ill and dead.

He began with the poisonous ones. Death caps are probably the most deadly worldwide and contain a lot of toxins which damage kidneys and liver. Some varieties kill quickly, others require time to reach their toxic level. One, called Destroying Angel will kill in very small amount, even just tasting. It is white with white gills and found in woodland. It has been associated with murders for millennia. Morel mushrooms are regarded as edible, but do contain a poison and must be well cooked, indeed are regarded as a delicacy in Europe. Fly Agaric, the red capped fungus, often found growing near birch trees, is also poisonous.

Duncan’s advice was not to eat fungi from woodland. Identification is essential.

Going on to edible fungi, he offered some cooking advice as well. Some are best fried, some boiled and some can be dried and powdered and some are used to bulk up stews or thicken soups. Members were introduced to the Chanterelle and the Penny Bun, both chef favourites, the Cauliflower or Brain Fungus, the Hedgehog Fungus, and many more.

Puffballs which can be huge with white flesh are not to be confused with Earth balls which are not edible. Most fungi found growing on trees, live or dead, are edible, but again, if you haven’t identified it, don’t eat it. Magic mushrooms were mentioned in passing but again, caution in identifying species was paramount.

Past President Bryan Woods gave Duncan a very comprehensive vote of thanks despite admitting to being no fan of fungi.

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