Autumn is well underway, the season of ochre colors and quiet walks under forests full of life. This time is synonymous with mushrooms and chestnuts, and if you decide to travel any stretch of the Tourdera through the Montseny, which is one of the places where they abound most, we want to share some useful tips with you.
Montseny is a privileged setting to enjoy these highly prized natural treasures of autumn. Every year, with the drop in temperatures and shorter days, the landscape fills with warm tones and offers us two of the most beloved seasonal products in the homes and gastronomy of our country: mushrooms and chestnuts.
However, in order to continue enjoying these gifts of nature, it is essential to do so with respect and responsibility. Therefore, following the recommendations of the Montseny Natural Park, we have prepared some basic guidelines that will help you live this experience in a way that is respectful of the environment and everyone who wants to enjoy it.
Mushrooms:
- Get informed: The tradition of collecting mushrooms is popular, but it is fundamental to recognize the species. Avoid picking mushrooms you do not know, as some can be poisonous.
- Do not use tools: Avoid using rakes or other tools, as they can damage both the forest and the underground part of the fungi. Opt for a basket to carry your findings; plastic bags can crush them and even make them ferment.
- Absolute respect: even if you only collect edible mushrooms, respect all species. Each one plays an important role in the ecosystem and in the process of recycling organic matter in the forest.
- Take care of the environment: avoid leaving trash in the forest. Take any waste generated during your excursion with you. Respect for nature is essential.
- Stay on the paths: to avoid getting lost, stay on the main paths and agree on meeting places and times with your companions. Safety is paramount.
More information in the Park’s information leaflet.
Chestnuts:
- With authorization: if you want to collect chestnuts, make sure to obtain authorization from the owner of the trees. Chestnuts should only be collected for personal consumption.
- Harvest carefully: do not shake or hit the branches of the chestnut trees to make the chestnuts fall, as this damages the trees. Collect only the ripe chestnuts that have fallen naturally to the ground.
- Leave no trace: in addition to respecting private property, collect any trash you generate and use the available containers to keep the environment clean.
More information in the park’s information leaflet.
But the growing demand for these treasures of autumn often causes excessive spoilage of the forests. That is why we want to present two alternatives that will allow you to enjoy autumn products while preserving the forests: local mushroom and chestnut producers.
Bolet Ben Fet:
Bolet Ben Fet, based in Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, is an organic mushroom production farm linked to the TEB Cooperative Group, which promotes the job placement of people with intellectual disabilities. The cultivation is done handcrafted with local wood and organic certification, reproducing the natural cycle of the fungi. In addition to generating stable employment, it contributes to boosting the forestry sector and the restoration industry, offering high-quality, healthy, and pesticide-free mushrooms. For more information, you can consult the following link.
Castanya de Viladrau:
Castanya de Viladrau, located in the Montseny Natural Park, focuses its activity on the recovery and sustainable management of century-old chestnut trees. Through cleaning and sanitation of the forests, they obtain fresh, dehydrated, roasted chestnuts and other products throughout the year, as well as chestnut wood intended for stakes, furniture, or enclosures. At the same time, they offer guided tours for families, groups, and schools, with the goal of transmitting knowledge about the life cycle of the chestnut tree, teaching how to respect and enjoy nature, and valuing this historic tree, generating an authentic circular economy in Montseny. For more information, you can consult the following link.
Autumn invites us to enjoy Montseny calmly, discovering its most precious fruits: mushrooms and chestnuts. But doing so with respect is essential to ensure that these treasures continue to be part of our natural heritage. Following the Park’s recommendations and supporting local producers is a way to live this season in a responsible, sustainable way and with all the flavor of autumn.
