Morchella vulgaris
Common MorelL

This can appear here from March until June and is often found in hedgerows and open woodland on usually chalk ground. This mushroom often favours burnt ground so old disused railway lines can often be successful, also coppiced woodland were there has been charcoal burning taking place. The caps can vary in size but is usually 5-12cm high. I often think it resembles a brain on a stalk, it has a rounded cap and is marked out with pits and ridges , which give an ideal hiding place for insects so be careful and clean well. These dry very well and are usually used from dried by today’s chefs

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This has a strident flavour and goes well with red meats such as steak and venison.