Guided mushroom foraging walks near London and Brighton
Small-group walks in ancient West Sussex woodland, taught by a forager of 46 years trained by Swiss mushroom controllers. Learn what is safe - properly.
Where the walks happen
The walks run in ancient woodland near London and Brighton, in the Haywards Heath area of West Sussex - about an hour from London. I keep the exact site off the internet, as foragers do; you receive the meeting point and travel details as soon as you book. September to November, when the woods are at their best.
Which walk is right for me
Your first walk. Learn what is safe, what is not, and how to tell the difference properly.
Trickier genera, closer identification, seasonal depth for returning foragers.
A day in the woods built for families - curious children very welcome.
Predictable pace, full information in advance, no pressure to socialise.
What you will learn
Identification is the heart of every walk. You will learn to read habitat, examine spore colour and gill attachment with a hand lens, and understand the lookalikes that matter. I was trained by Swiss mushroom controllers - the people who check the public's baskets in Switzerland - and I teach the same standard: if there is any doubt, it does not go in the pan. People want to forage but do not trust themselves to know what is safe. That trust in your own judgement, built properly, is what you take home.
What to expect on the day
A slow, comfortable pace. Small groups. Rain does not stop us - it brings the mushrooms out. Bring waterproofs, sensible footwear and curiosity; everything else is taught. Full details on the what to expect page.
Dates and booking - autumn 2026
Walks run Saturdays at 1pm and Sundays at 11am. Book on Eventbrite, or contact Adi to book directly by bank transfer and skip the booking fees.
- Early season: Sat 26 Sep (1pm), Sun 27 Sep (11am), Sat 3 Oct (1pm), Sun 4 Oct (11am)
- Mid season: Sat 10 Oct (1pm), Sun 11 Oct (11am), Sat 17 Oct (1pm)
- Neurodivergent-friendly walk: Sun 18 Oct (11am) - new for 2026
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to join a foraging walk?
No. The beginners walk assumes nothing. I pitch the teaching to the group, and beginners and experienced foragers often walk together.
Where exactly do the walks meet?
In woodland near London and Brighton, in the Haywards Heath area. The precise meeting point and travel details are shared once you book - foragers keep their sites quiet, and it also keeps the woodland from being over-picked.
What if it rains?
We go ahead. Rain often brings mushrooms out and makes them easier to spot. Wear waterproof clothing and sensible footwear.
Will I definitely find mushrooms to take home?
Fruiting depends on season and weather, so harvesting is never guaranteed - but there is always plenty to find, identify and learn from. If we find something worth taking, I will walk you through exactly why it is safe.
How do I know it is safe to eat what we find?
Absolute certainty is the standard. We examine spore colour, gill attachment and other features with hand lenses; I explain the toxic lookalikes; and if there is any doubt, we do not eat it.
Can I buy a walk as a gift?
Yes - gift vouchers are available. Contact Adi and he will arrange it.
Ready for the woods?
The season runs September to November and groups are genuinely small - when a date is full, it is full.
See dates & book on Eventbrite