Scores of mushroom hunters dead in Italy

[Leif Goodwin]

I found a worrying article on the BMS web site:

"At least 18 deaths in 10 days"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/au ... laim-lives

Most deaths were due to falling off a mountain while searching for fungi. I guess we should all take care when going away from the beaten track, even in the UK, and make sure we have appropriate clothing and equipment.

[Ian Knox]

Hello Leif

Many thanks for sharing the article, you would initially think of poisoning as the cause but it does highlight in the extreme other problems facing outdoor activities and being prepared for mis-haps or worse. One of the things we usually pack for a foray is a sachet or two of vinegar in case of insect bites or stings perhaps others can share a trick or two on the forum for the benefit of others.

Regards

Ian

[FionaGallagher]

you have probably heard of of saying" walk in peace through life but carry a big stick". Me and the significant other have just started up a buisness teaching bushcraft and foraging skills. I specialise in wild foods and he specialises survival skills. A stick is really important peice of kit when walking, apart from it takes the strain off your legs, it can be used to test ground so you dont end up in mud. The stick can also be used to prevent falls on steep slippy ground. I sent off my ABFG groups membership today, if there any foray locally [carmarthenshire] I will get himself to show this, as it saves alot of injuries.

However reading the article the best defence on not getting into doo-doo is engage brain before moving feet, yeap we have all seen interesting mushrooms in wierd and dodgy places. A giant puffball in the lion enclousure of london zoo is my fave. But it takes brains to say it is that is one that got away. Falling down a ravine because of midnight mushroom forage to make money is a bit stupid.

i carry a small first kit and some medicines in water proof, a working mobile [if going out of range a route is left with someone], a cigerette lighter and suitible clothes for conditions.

[Sheila Lillie]

I always go hunting for fungi alone but have set area's were I go I did try to get a fabulous photo of a huge dense trooping group of Peziza vesiculosa on some large straw bales,the best one's were high up and was not satisfied with the ones at any easy arm's reach.I started to climb the bales got the shot's fell broke my camera and hurt myself badly I hobbled home very muddy and sore.I must say I learn my lesson and go out prepared with hiking stick,flask,snack,small first aid kit, the correct footwear,clothing ,mobile but most important I write down were I have gone and leave it in the house so if anything happens and mobile was out of range people would have a rough idea where I was as accident's do happen I once broke my leg and was in a rather inaccessible spot whilst out fungi hunting and luckily had my mobile.

[Chris Johnson]

Hi Sheila

Welcome to the group.

Oh, and please don't invite me to any of your forays; it's too dangerous!

Regards. Chris

[Sheila Lillie]

Hi Chris
Don't worry these incident's do not occur now as I am older and wiser but it makes you understand why some people take risk's as you become so determined to get a good photo that you forget about the danger or if your collecting to consume them (which I do not) as I am only interested in recording and hopefully protecting them.

Sheila