First Fly Agarics of the Season

    At last they are arriving, those fantastic red signs of autumn, the magical Fly Agarics, always an excited moment when you spot your first Agaric of the season.


    My favourite spot for these magical mushrooms is the Warren at Shouldham, this was where I saw my first ever example and again this year they are popping up.


    The Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) loves the company of Birch trees, indeed every specimen I've found has been amongst Silver Birch. They are found in autumn, mostly October but can reach into November.


    They are used as food in some northern countries but only after repeatedly boiling  to remove the toxins. They are very hallucinogenic and some people do eat them for recreational use, tho they will experience bad stomach pains alongside the trip.



   Next time your walking through woodland and notice a group of Silver Birch trees take the time to forage around, you may be lucky enough to spot these perfect little toadstools.

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