Filenews 1 November 2022
The collection of mushrooms should be done with care and with respect for nature, while their identification should be done after careful observation, by collectors who are able to recognize the edible species from the poisonous, states, among other things, in an announcement of the Department of Forests, in view of the mushroom harvesting period, after the recent beneficial rains.
Specifically, the Department, on the occasion of the beginning of public excursions for mushroom collection, clarifies the following:
Many collectors in their effort to be more efficient use tools, mainly rakes (combs), to remove the leaf that covers the mushrooms. This practice is expressly prohibited by the Forest Law and in case of conviction, it carries a prison sentence of up to one (1) year or a fine of up to five thousand euros (€5.000,00) or both (2) of these penalties.
The identification of mushrooms should be done after careful observation, by collectors who are able to recognize edible species from poisonous ones. When collecting, any leaf located above the mushroom should be removed, and then removed with careful movements by hand. Alternatively, the mushroom can be cut with a knife just above the ground. Then the leaf that was moved should be repositioned.
Collection should be done withcare and with respect for nature. What matters most is not so much whether or not the mushroom (fruit) will be collected asit is not to destroy the productive fungusthat finds protection under the leaf.
It is very important to collect only ripe mushrooms that have released a large number of spores, thus ensuring their reproduction in the coming years.
The Department of Forests strongly appeals to the public to apply the correct tracking and collection practices and to report any violations to the nearest Forest Station. The sweeping removal of the leaf causes damage to the forest ecosystem since it also kills the small mushrooms that are going to germinate, as well as microorganisms and plants of the area, while at the same time aesthetically degrading the forest.
