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A local fungi expert has issued advice around foraging after reports that three islanders were hospitalised due to eating a death cap mushroom.
Mycologist Charlotte Shenkin has produced a set of “golden safety rules” for fungi foraging to reduce the risk of poisoning or deadly consequences.
Foraging is the act of gathering wild food for free.
Charlotte explained: "Although I’m not a forager myself and not pro-foraging, simply saying 'don’t risk foraging' won’t deter people who want to or who have a cultural connection to foraging.
"So instead I’m hoping to use my knowledge to help keep people safe if they are going to forage either way."
Pictured: Charlotte is hoping to use her knowledge to help keep people safe if they are going to forage. (Charlotte Shenkin)
The fungi expert said that autumn is when more people begin to notice mushrooms, and interest in foraging grows.
"Fungi are interesting and enigmatic, they capture the interest of people of all ages," she said.
"The good news is that even the most deadly mushrooms cannot harm us unless we eat them, so we can all enjoy getting out in nature and spotting weird and wonderful mushrooms that seem to pop up out of nowhere.
"Fungi can be safely handled for identification so long as your hands are washed thoroughly afterwards."
However, Charlotte noted that interest in eating wild foods has grown in recent years due to increased interest in connecting with nature, coupled with the cost of living crisis.
"Foraging for fungi carries an inherent risk of serious consequences if you misidentify what you’re collecting," she said.
Charlotte explained that the deathcap mushroom, or amanita phalloides, is responsible for the most mushroom poisoning deaths worldwide.
The local mycologist has put together six golden rules for foraging safely.
"If people follow these simple guidelines for safe foraging practices strictly, then their risk of poisoning or deadly consequences is going to be greatly reduced," she said.
"We have to be really upfront about the fact that a misidentified mushroom could kill you or cause serious organ damage.
"People need to understand the seriousness of getting it wrong when it comes to fungi."
Charlotte has shared her “golden safety rules” for fungi foraging to reduce the risk of poisoning or deadly consequences.
Pictured top: The deathcap mushroom is responsible for the most mushroom poisoning deaths worldwide, according to Charlotte.
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