About this Event
As autumn deepens, the forest changes. The early season species have faded, but late season brings its own remarkable finds - winter chanterelles, wood blewits and other species that only appear once the others have gone. The light is lower, the woods are quieter, and there's a particular beauty to a forest heading into winter. For those who know where to look, the season is far from over.
I'm Adi. I've been foraging since I was a teenager in Switzerland, where I learned from expert mushroom controllers. Over 46 years of foraging, I've seen every kind of season. I'm a member of the Association of Foragers, a published academic with a PhD from Goldsmiths University of London, and an educator who spent 15+ years teaching at university level. In 2021 I founded Adi's Urban Mushrooms as a non-profit social enterprise, driven by a simple belief: this knowledge should be shared.
After an introductory talk, we'll spend around 3 hours together in a beautiful, well-established forest in West Sussex. You'll learn to identify a handful of choice edible species that thrive in late season - and the dangerous lookalikes to avoid. We'll explore the fascinating relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and trees, look at how the forest prepares for winter, cover foraging laws and ethics, and I'll share practical tips on harvesting, cooking and preserving your finds.
Groups are capped at 12 people, so you get real attention. You'll receive the exact meeting point about a week before. Around 1 hour 15 minutes from SE London or Brighton by car, or train and cab. Join the WhatsApp group to organise a car share and stay connected with fellow foragers long after the day.
What to bring: wear walking boots or wellies (it might be wet and muddy), long sleeves and trousers (we might walk through brambles) and waterproofs (it may well rain). Bring a basket or cloth bag, a pocketknife, and - if you have one - a mushroom guide book.
Sliding-scale pricing: I offer a sliding scale so these walks stay open to everyone, whatever your budget. Please choose the ticket that honestly reflects your circumstances - it's based on trust, and I never ask for proof. If you can comfortably afford Standard or Solidarity, please leave the Support tickets for those who need them most. If you're on Universal Credit, use a food bank, or are working below the minimum wage choose the Support ticket. Free tickets are only for people who have bought a voucher and want to redeem it - contact [email protected] if you have a voucher and would like to attend this walk.
I've learned over the years that there's no guarantee we'll find (m)any mushrooms - but I can promise you a fun day out. 🌟 Don't just take my word for it - see what other people have said about these guided foraging walks.
Cancellation policy (mushroom foraging walks): Spaces are limited to ensure a good experience for everyone, and my walks often sell out. Please cancel at least 7 calendar days before your walk so I can offer your place to another mushroom enthusiast. To cancel, email [email protected]. Refunds (notwithstanding third-party providers' own policies):
- 0–6 days' notice: no refund, but you can rebook another walk if a place is available.
- 7–13 days' notice: a partial refund, minus any booking fees incurred through third-party platforms. Alternatively, you can rebook another walk if a place is available.
- 14 days' or more notice: a full refund , minus non-refundable booking fees. Alternatively, you can rebook another walk if a place is available.
If Adi's Urban Mushrooms cancels or changes the date: I'll offer a full refund, or a rebooking on another walk if a place is available.
Mush Love
🍄🟫❤️
Adi
90 five-star Google reviews. Sell-out seasons in 2023 and 2024.
“I learned so much in just one day. It was such a privilege to learn from his lifelong body of experience and extensive knowledge. It was such a fun day out and I went home with enough delicious mushrooms to make a wonderful pasta sauce for dinner. Will definitely go again!” - Sarah Lafferty · Google Review ★★★★★
“Adi’s deep knowledge and passion for fungi made the journey both educational and inspiring. After the trip I actually started exploring mushroom hunting on my own and am doing a research project on foraging. Highly recommend for anyone curious about fungi!” - Donna Choi, returning foraging walk participant · Google Review ★★★★★
As featured in Briar: Why I forage: Adi Staempfli; East London Lines: Brockley man makes mush-room for community through fungi workshops and Southwark News: Mush Love: Meet the fungi fanatics of south London.
Event venue & nearby stays
Station Hill, Station Hill, Three Bridges, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.