The London Weather Station

This week we have had lovely weather here in London. It has been a great start to an Indian Summer that is hopefully going to last for a long time. By the way, did you know that the expression ‘Indian summer’ has nothing to do with actual summer in India?

Anyway, this kind of warm weather in autumn is ideal for wild mushrooms – especially if it is following a period of rain.

Last weekend I went for a walk with some friends and family in Epping Forrest. We walked to a lovely Italian/British pub and had Sunday lunch. On the way there we popped into the forest to pick some mushrooms and we did find a few nice edible ones until a friendly park ranger on his horse told me that you are not allowed to pick mushrooms in Epping Forest. (I knew that you are not allowed on Wimbledon Common, but about Epping Forest it was news to me.)

Apparently people used to be allowed, but only with a licence, but too many people picked mushrooms until there weren’t many, so now it is completely forbidden.

I have to say that I am not completely distraught by this bit of news, and I also think that the park-ranger had a point, as our findings were meagre in comparison to the haul that I found in the Austrian alps in the summer of 2006 (See picture). This is a full baking tray of mushrooms you are looking at.

But more about foraging for mushrooms tomorrow! :)