Mushroom Picking Season Begins in Cyprus

The Department of Forestry of the Republic of Cyprus has issued a statement to mark the start of the mushroom picking season. They reminded the public that the use of tools for searching and collecting mushrooms is strictly prohibited.

Violators could face fines of up to €5,000, a year of imprisonment, or both.

The department also emphasized the importance of being cautious when foraging to differentiate between edible and poisonous mushrooms.

“When gathering mushrooms, it is recommended that foragers clear the leaves above the mushroom and then gently remove the mushroom by hand. Alternatively, the mushroom can be cut with a knife just above the ground,” stated the department.

It was further highlighted that mushroom picking “should be conducted with care and respect for nature.” The primary concern is to ensure that the mycelium remains undamaged during the collection process.

For this reason, mushroom enthusiasts are encouraged to collect only mature mushrooms to promote their reproduction in the following years.

Any violations should be reported to the Department of Forestry.

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