Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with responsibility for forestry, today officially launched the publication Forest Fungi of Ireland at Avondale House, Rathdrum County Wicklow.The publication details 43 edible types of mushroom, 14 types best not eaten and thirteen highly poisonous types. The publication, which encourages people to forage for wild natural and edible fungi, provides clear illustrations and descriptions of various fungi. It was funded by COFORD and is based on the experiences of the authors, Paul Dowding and Louis Smith, in identifying, collecting and eating wild fungi in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Killeen pointed out the many benefits of woodlands. He said: "It is clear from this publication there are non timber benefits to be gained from our woodlands that have not been fully exploited to date and undoubtedly there is great scope for expansion in this area".
Further information on fungi in the Irish countryside can be found at www.fungus.ie. Copies of the publication can be bought from COFORD at www.coford.ie.
