Fungi in the New Forest
One of Britain's richest fungi habitats — and one of the strictest. Read the rules before you bring a basket.
The rules here
Know the rules before you pick
Summary for readers, not legal advice. Rules change — check the landowner's current guidance (Forestry England for the Crown lands) before every visit.
- Picking fungi is not permitted on the Crown lands of the New Forest
- No commercial picking anywhere in the Forest
- Looking, photographing and learning are welcome — join a guided walk
- Stay on paths, don't trample, leave every fruiting body where it is
Typical finds
What grows here, by season
| Species | Where | Season | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cep | Under oak & beech | Aug–Oct | Common |
| Chanterelle | Mossy beech woods | Jul–Nov | Local |
| Beefsteak fungus | Old oak trunks | Aug–Oct | Common |
| Death cap ⚠ | Under oak | Aug–Nov | Present — deadly |
Plan your visit
- Getting there
- Trains to Brockenhurst; park only in official car parks.
- Best time
- Mid-week, after rain, September–October mornings.
- Bring
- A camera, a field guide — and a friend who knows. Leave the knife at home here.
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Other UK regions
Plan your next walk
- Scottish Highlands
- Peak District
- Brecon Beacons
- Lake District
- Epping Forest
- Kent woodlands