They’re popping up everywhere, and earlier than usual due to this spate of autumnal weather. The conditions generally required are: moisture, moderately cool temperature, good levels of oxygen and slightly acidic soil (the soil in most temperate woods, especially pine, is acidic).
This presents a great opportunity to get down to your local woodland, or horse poo enriched field, and see what fungi is coming up.
While many look, and even smell, good for human consumption, there are some very poisonous species out there, so don’t take the risk unless you’re an expert. If you’re lucky enough to be near our Coombes Valley (8 Sep), Dove Stone (8 Sep) or Stour Estuary (21 Oct) reserves there are some RSPB led events teaching you about the species that grow there.
But there’s no need to pick them, just go exploring, maybe with a camera, or fungi guide book (dust off that old copy of British Wildlife). Autumn is a great time to experience nature, so there's no need to despair if it’s here early!