For nature lovers, one of the best things to do in autumn is mushroom spotting. And picking when that’s allowed and you know what you’re doing. In the Netherlands, mushroom spotting can be done everywhere, from urban parks (like I did in Westerpark in Amsterdam) to any small or large forest. Picking, however, is a different story. Foraging is generally not allowed, so please admire them where they grow and resist the temptation to take them home.
I love going mushroom spotting, even though I know only a few mushrooms by name and I never eat mushrooms. I might hate the taste and texture of these little forest fruits, but I can’t resist the fun of spotting them and snapping photos. It’s like a treasure hunt, and I love going to the same places year after year, because I know where I will find them. For example, in the forests I’ve visited the most, there are only a couple trees where the spooky looking Beefsteak mushroom is growing, and I only found a Lion’s Mane in Heilooërbos, on a certain tree. As for the Fly agaric (Amanita Muscaria), which is a very pretty find, I only spotted it a couple of times in Bergerbos, Schoorl Forest and Texel island.
Mushroom Spotting Tips
- When to go: Mushrooms love moist weather. Head out after a rainy day or in the morning mist for the best chance of spotting them.
- Where to look: Check mossy tree bases, fallen logs, and shady corners of the forest floor.
- Bring a camera: Even if you don’t know the species, photographing mushrooms is half the fun.
- Don’t pick: Foraging is not allowed in Bergerbos (or most places in the Netherlands). Admire the mushrooms where they grow and leave them for the next walker to enjoy.
These photo are from my walks in Heilooërbos, the forest/park between Alkmaar and Heiloo.
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