Postcards Spring 2024 CA | Page 37

scotland
images : AWL IMAGES ; GETTY
As we walk , Mitchell teaches us about mushroom anatomy and how to tell if a mushroom is a friend or foe . The cap is one of several characteristics — from a typical convex form to conical and bell-shaped — but it ’ s an important one . Flip it over to examine underneath the cap , and notice if you see gills , ridges or pores . Gills can be deceptive , as there are both true and false gills , so it ’ s a good thing we ’ re being guided by a professional .
In fact , being with a field guide , we ’ re in compliance with the Scottish Wild Mushroom Code , which mandates that people should contact the land manager before collecting for any purpose . True to the spirit of community land use , we only gather about a dozen chanterelles for our group to have a taste , and leave plenty in the ground to nourish the ecosystem .
My sister Ashley locates the first hedgehog fungus , to our knowledge at least , of the season . Mitchell congratulates her for spotting this edible mushroom , which grows best during the autumn months . We pause to observe a horse ’ s hoof fungus growing from a dying , moss-covered birch tree . This gaudy fungus is inedible but useful as tinder for starting fires .
Meanwhile , we ’ re also keeping an eye out for signs of red deer activity : mainly hoofprints in the mud and scrapings on trees . The Scottish Highlands are home to this majestic animal that is the largest land mammal in the UK . Mature stags boast an impressive rack of antlers , of the kind that we ’ ve often seen displayed over building entrances and fireplace hearths .
Mitchell points out some blueberry bushes . The birds have stripped them
From left : The 300-year-old packhorse bridge over the Dulnain River in Carrbridge ; a brown Highland cow on Skye
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