With the arrival of autumn, the Spanish forests are filled with mycology enthusiasts in search of edible mushrooms such as boletus, chanterelles or chanterelles. However, mushroom picking requires not only knowledge of the natural environment, but also an understanding of local regulations and the use of appropriate tools. Fortunately, in Spain there are mobile applications that facilitate this activityproviding information on species, locations and regulations.
One of the most notable applications is ‘Mushroom Preserves’available for Android devices. This app offers interactive maps of more than 200 mountains and preserves in Spain, including free and limited areas, and allows the purchase of permits directly from your mobile. In addition, it provides information on the species present, business periods and collection quotas, and uses GPS to help users navigate on the ground.
For species identification, an application like ‘Mushroom Identifier’ is a good tool. This app allows users to take photographs of the mushrooms found and obtain information about their edibility, habitat and distinctive characteristics.
Legal and environmental considerations
It is important to highlight that mushroom harvesting in Spain is subject to specific regulations that vary depending on the autonomous community and the type of land. For example, in areas such as the Montes de Soria Mycological Park, measures have been implemented to combat illegal collection, including the seizure of mushrooms and the issuance of sanctions. These actions seek to protect the environment and ensure sustainable harvesting.
In addition, it is essential to respect local regulations on access to the mountains and mushroom collection. The Civil Guard has warned that traveling or remaining on roads or forest areas without specific authorization can result in fines of up to 3,000 euros.