šŸŒæ The Wild Foragerā€™s Almanac ā€“ January Edition

šŸŒ² Wild Whisper

The forest in winter is a quiet storyteller. The leaves have fallen, all is tranquil, and yet, if you know where to look, the medicine of the wild still thrives.

This morning, as I walked through the damp woodland, I came across a log alive with colourā€”shelving layers of Turkey Tail mushrooms, their swirling bands of ochre, green, and violet catching the light.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is more than just a beautiful mushroomā€”itā€™s a symbol of endurance, an ancient healer, and a medicine for resilience. It thrives in the cold, just as we must in these darker months.

Letā€™s step deeper into its storyā€¦

šŸ„ Turkey Tail Speaks

I am Turkey Tail, the storyteller of the fallen woods.

I grow where life transitionsā€”on old oak, on resting birch, on the quiet, rotting logs that feed the forest floor. My rings hold the colours of the wildā€”bands of amber, violet, rust, and sageā€”etched in the language of time. I do not die with the tree; I whisper its final wisdom, weaving it back into the mycelial web beneath your feet.

I am medicine, though I do not demand your attention. You may have passed me a thousand times without noticing my soft, layered fans. But those who listen, those who pauseā€”ah, you are the ones who learn my secrets.

Within me, the alchemy of healing unfolds. I guard the immune system like the bark guards the tree. I nourish the gut, bringing balance where modern life unravels. I have been brewed in the kettles of healers, studied in the halls of science, revered in the traditions of those who know the land.

I am resilience in the heart of winter, waiting for the hands that will gather me with respect. If you find me, run your fingers along my velvet cap, turn me over to see the tiny white pores beneathā€”this is how you will know me. And when you bring me into your home, steep me in water, let my medicine unfurl, and drink the forestā€™s strength.

I am Turkey Tail, and I will always be hereā€”turning decay into renewal, teaching those who wish to listen.

šŸŒæ Foragerā€™s Notes: How to Identify & Use Turkey Tail

āœ… Scientific Name: Trametes versicolor

āœ… Where to Find It: On dead hardwood logs, fallen branches, and stumps, year-round.

āœ… Identification Features:

ā€¢ Thin, leathery, fan-shaped layers with concentric rings in shades of brown, green, blue, orange, or violet.

ā€¢ Fuzzy or velvety upper surfaceā€”never smooth or slimy.

ā€¢ Underside should be white to pale cream with tiny pores (not gilled or smooth).

āœ… Medicinal Uses:

ā€¢ A potent immune system modulator, studied for cancer support, gut health, and antiviral properties.

ā€¢ Supports microbiome health and digestion.

āœ… How to Use It:

ā€¢ Tea/Decoction: Simmer dried pieces in water for 45 minutes minimum; however, for optimum medicinal qualities, employ a slow cooker for up to 36 hours.

ā€¢ Powdered Extract: Blend into honey, porridge, energy balls, syrups, or capsules.ā€¢ Dual Extraction: A combination of alcohol and water extraction to maximise its medicinal benefits.

šŸ Recipe of the Month: Turkey Tail & Maple Magic

This month, Iā€™m sharing a creation inspired by my recent time away on Vancouver Island. Nearly a month of reconnecting with my sister and her family was filled with so many beautiful momentsā€”and the wild places there gifted me treasures I couldnā€™t resist bringing home.

While exploring the damp, mossy forests of Victoria, I stumbled upon a gorgeous flush of Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor). I harvested and later made an extracted powder from them, savouring their rich, earthy medicine. As I was musing on the abundance of this place, I also found myself drawn to a litre of organic Canadian maple syrupā€”rich and golden, a true essence of the trees.

Wanting to preserve this sweetness for the journey home, I experimented with concentrating the syrup, inspired by a childhood memory of maple candyā€™s magic. While heating and stirring, imagining the rich sweetness melding with the healing power of Turkey Tail, I added a significant amount of the powder to the bubbling syrup. And then, something unexpected happened: in an instant, the syrup transformed into a light, dry maple sugarā€”an alchemy of earth, tree, and fire.

The result was something Iā€™ve never experienced before: a luminous, earthy maple sugar infused with the medicine of the forest. Perhaps itā€™s been made before, or perhaps itā€™s uniquely mine, but Iā€™m excited to share this recipe with youā€”a gift of synergy between tree and fungi, sweetness and healing.


Turkey Tail & Maple Sugar Recipe

What Youā€™ll Need:

ā€¢ 1 litre pure maple syrup

ā€¢ Ā½ cup finely ground, pre-extracted Turkey Tail powder (see notes for details) (or you could add dual extract).

Method:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Ensure your Turkey Tail powder is water- or dual-extracted for maximum bioavailability and medicinal benefits.

2. Heat the Maple Syrup: In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or pot, gently heat the maple syrup over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

3. Add Turkey Tail Powder: Once the syrup starts to thicken slightly, stir in the Turkey Tail powder (or tincture), ensuring it dissolves evenly into the syrup.

4. Watch for the Magic: As the syrup continues to heat, it will begin to froth and thicken rapidly. Keep stirring, and watch closelyā€”once it reaches the right stage, it will suddenly transform into a light, crumbly sugar. Remove from heat immediately.

5. Cool and Store: Spread the sugar onto a baking sheet to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight jar, be sure it is dry and free of moisture for preservation purposes. 

How to Use It:

ā€¢ Sprinkle over porridge, yoghurt, or baked goods for a touch of wild sweetness and immune support.

ā€¢ Stir into warm teas, coffee, or lattes to create a grounding, healthful drink.

ā€¢ Use it in baking or as a finishing touch for desserts.

Notes for Success:

ā€¢ Turkey Tail Powder: The medicinal benefits of Turkey Tail are unlocked through water or dual extraction. Use pre-extracted powder or create your own by simmering Turkey Tail in water for 12-36 hours – drying the resulting material, and grinding it into a fine powder.

ā€¢ Maple Sugar Tips: Although its possible to use less – using at least 1 litre of syrup ensures it heats evenly and reduces properly without risk of burning. The transformation from syrup to sugar happens quicklyā€”stay attentive and stir continuously.

ā€¢ Storage: Store your infused sugar in a cool, dry place. Properly sealed, it will keep for up to 6 months.

This recipe celebrates the abundance of nature and the alchemy of the wild. I hope youā€™ll try it and feel the connection to the trees and fungi that inspired it. Let me know if you give it a goā€”what magic unfolds in your kitchen?

šŸ”„ The Gathering: Join Me in the Wild

Would you like to make mushroom medicine with me? This February, Iā€™m hosting two immersive workshops where we dive into the world of medicinal mushrooms and the lore of Fly Agaric:

šŸ„ Medicinal Mushrooms Workshop
šŸ”— [Reserve Your Spot Here]

āœ”ļø Learn to identify, harvest, and prepare medicinal mushrooms

āœ”ļø Make your own extracts and teas

āœ”ļø Explore their traditional uses in wellness & healing

šŸ“ Where: Wild Eala, Blessionton, Co Wickow

šŸ“† When: Sunday 23 February 12-5

šŸŽŸ Spots Available: Limited

šŸ„ Fly Agaric Workshop
šŸ”— [Reserve Your Spot Here]

āœ”ļø Discover the folklore, history, and medicinal potential of Fly Agaric

āœ”ļø Learn safe identification and traditional preparations

āœ”ļø Understand the spiritual and cultural significance of this iconic mushroom

šŸ“ Where: Wild Eala, Blessington, Co Wicklow

šŸ“† When: Saturday 22 February 12-5

šŸŽŸ Spots Available: Limited

These workshops are intimate, hands-on experiences designed to deepen your connection with the kingdom fungi. If you feel called, Iā€™d love for you to join me.

šŸ‚ The Wild Challenge

Tell meā€”have you ever foraged Turkey Tail before?

šŸ“ø Reply with a photo of any Turkey Tail youā€™ve found, and Iā€™ll help you ID it!

OR

šŸ’¬ Whatā€™s your favourite winter foraging memory? Hit reply and shareā€”I read every message!

(P.S. Iā€™ll feature one readerā€™s response in next monthā€™s email šŸŒæ)

ā“ Ask Me Anything ā€“ Your Anonymous Questions Answered

Have a question about mushrooms, foraging, medicine-making, or wild food but donā€™t want to ask publicly? Now you can submit your questions anonymously, and Iā€™ll answer one or two in upcoming newsletters!

šŸ”— Submit Your Question Here

No question is too big or smallā€”if youā€™re wondering about something, chances are, others are too!


Next month, as the first nettles push through the frozen soil, weā€™ll explore their ancient uses in cleansing, renewal, and wild nourishment.

Until then, may the forest guide you.

With wild blessings,

Courtney

Courtney, based in the stunning County Wicklow, Ireland, is a passionate forager and nature enthusiast who thrives in the forest, observing the shifting seasons. She spends her days gathering wild plants, roots, berries, and fungi to craft herbal remedies, teas, ferments, and nourishing foods to share with her community.

Driven by a love for teaching, Courtney creates engaging, hands-on workshops that empower participants to explore the wonders of nature with confidence. Whether delving into fungi, foraging, or herbal medicine, her approach blends enthusiasm, expertise, and accessibility.

As a proud member of the Association of Foragers, Courtney emphasises safety, sustainability, and respect for the land. Her workshops welcome all, offering a space to learn about edible, medicinal, and toxic fungi, while inspiring deeper connections to the wild.

Exciting Workshops & Events for 2025!

Iā€™m thrilled to announce a range of workshops, walks, and events planned throughout most of 2025, with even more to come. Join me in the forest or other beautiful outdoor settings to explore and deepen your connection to nature through:

ā€¢ Foraging

ā€¢ Wild Food

ā€¢ Herbal Medicine

ā€¢ Medicinal Mushrooms

ā€¢ Food Preservation Techniques

ā€¢ Wild Food Picnics (especially during the Wild Biome Project months)

These immersive experiences are perfect for anyone looking to learn new skills, connect with the natural world, and enjoy time outdoors.

Gift Vouchers are also availableā€”an ideal gift for nature lovers! Vouchers can be applied to any upcoming event of your choice.

Discover, explore, and learn in nature. I canā€™t wait to share these adventures with you!

Sign up now or contact me for more information.