Learn to Forage Fungi with Confidence and Care

Wild Mushrooming: A Guide for Foragers is your go-to book for safe and sustainable mushroom foraging. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bushwalker, this guide makes learning about wild fungi simple, clear, and enjoyable.

Written by ecologist Alison Pouliot and mycologist Tom May, this guide focuses on a “slow mushrooming” approach. Instead of rushing, it encourages you to take your time. You’ll learn to recognise just 10 edible mushroom species. This targeted method helps you build real confidence and avoid dangerous mistakes.

Each featured species includes detailed descriptions, vibrant photos, and easy-to-follow ID tips. Plus, the authors highlight toxic lookalikes, so you know exactly what to avoid. As a result, you can explore with more peace of mind.

But this book offers more than just identification. It also teaches you when, where, and how to forage responsibly. Legal tips, cultural insights, and ecological context are included too. Therefore, it’s not just practical—it’s ethical and educational.

The layout is user-friendly. The language is simple. The photos are high-quality and taken in Australian environments. Because of this, you can compare what’s on the page to what you see in the wild—no confusion.

Even better, Wild Mushrooming: A Guide for Foragers includes 29 delicious recipes. From hearty stews to creative preserves, it shows you how to enjoy your finds in the kitchen. So, once you’re back from the bush, the adventure continues at your table.

This 320-page softcover is built for outdoor use. It’s a field guide you’ll actually want to carry. Published by CSIRO in 2021, it remains one of the most trusted Australian mushroom books available today.

In short, Wild Mushrooming: A Guide for Foragers is practical, inspiring, and beautifully written. It teaches you to slow down, look closely, and respect the fungi that grow around you. Start your mushrooming journey with the right guide—and forage with confidence.

Check out more from Alison Pouliot here.