Epping Forest authorities warn against picking wild mushrooms

The City of London Corporation has issued a warning to visitors, foragers, and social media influencers to refrain from picking wild mushrooms in Epping Forest. The 8,000-acre green space, located on the Essex and London border, has seen a surge in fungi-related social media content, which officials fear is encouraging illegal collection.

Under the forest’s bylaws, picking fungi is prohibited. Authorities noted that recent warm weather has led to the early appearance of certain species, such as Laetiporus sulphureus, also known as ‘Chicken of the Woods’.

Caroline Haines, chair of the City Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, emphasized that many species depend on being left undisturbed. The organization is encouraging visitors to ‘click, don’t pick,’ suggesting that people take photographs of the mushrooms rather than collecting them. Violators may face fines or prosecution, even after leaving the forest.