An outdoor expert is warning families to keep a close watch on young children and dogs during autumn countryside walks, as deadly wild mushrooms can easily be mistaken for edible varieties.
Autumn brings wild mushrooms springing up across the forest floor, and while this can be an exciting way to teach kids about the environment, it is very important to know the risks. Foraging is a great pastime, but deadly mushrooms can easily be mistaken for edible varieties, and recognising the warning signs could be the difference between life and death.
How to keep kids safe
If you have young children, ensure you explain to them before setting off on your walk that mushrooms must stay where they grow, and that absolutely nothing should be tasted. Children should know to point out mushrooms — and never to pick them.
Carl J. Borg, the founder of Outforia, an online lifestyle publication about the outdoors, said his primary rule for foraging is to maintain a watchful eye on dogs and young children. He said: "It's easy for everyone to concentrate on the mushroom someone has spotted. Before you crouch down for a closer look, check what your youngest child and your dog are doing."
For parents, he added: "Children don't need to recognise a death cap to enjoy looking for fungi. They just need one simple rule for every mushroom they find: leave it where it is and call an adult over."
"That also takes the pressure off parents to identify everything. You can be interested in something without knowing its name or whether it is edible."
What to do if you suspect poisoning
If you suspect your child has consumed a wild mushroom, seek medical advice immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop, as these can take hours or even days to appear.
For children, dial 999 straight away or head to A&E. Do not make them sick or offer any food or drink. If possible, gather a sample of what they've consumed, but don't waste time searching for one if it delays getting urgent help.
How to identify poisonous mushrooms
It's also crucial not to rely on a mushroom's appearance as a safety test. The Woodland Trust lists several poisonous species that can easily be mistaken for edible varieties, including death cap and funeral bell.
Carl said: "On a family spotting walk, keep the same rule for every mushroom. Trying to teach children which ones look safe leaves too much to guesswork."
You may believe you've correctly identified a mushroom using a plant identification app, but these should never be solely relied upon. A 2023 study, which tested three mushroom identification apps, found they were not sufficiently reliable on their own to rule out exposure to poisonous mushrooms.
Carl said: "Take a photograph if you want to learn more later, but don't let a name on your phone turn a sighting into something you take home for dinner. Anyone interested in foraging for food should learn from someone who really knows how to identify fungi."
