Although the heavy rains in August were met by most of us with moans and groans, mushroom lovers were rubbing their hands with glee. One of the best things about the wet weather was that the undergrowth got a thorough soaking and, as a result, fungi have - ahem - mushroomed. So, as the season gets into full swing, 2006 is already being hailed as one of the great fungi years.
There are an estimated 6,000 types of mushroom to be found in the British countryside, ranging from the popular porcini and giant puffballs to the more unusual curry mushroom, chicken of the woods and the poisonous fly agaric and death cap.
Although many Britons still consider foraging for mushrooms to be an oddly Continental pursuit, growing numbers are embracing the idea of fungi hunting. While expert mycologists can easily identify most species, amateurs are encouraged to join organised trips to learn how to distinguish edible ones from the small number of poisonous varieties.
The Association of British Fungus Groups, for instance, organises mushrooming outings across the country and also runs identification workshops, while the National Trust is running an extended programme of mushroom spotting.
However, as much as foraging for mushrooms brings out the hunter-gatherer instinct, for most of us it's really about the culinary indulgence. So, if you're more intent on enjoying the taste of mushrooms than getting down and dirty while picking them, there are plenty of places to indulge.
Carluccio's is running La Festa dei Funghi ("festival of mushrooms") at restaurants across the country, including markets, master classes and the Mushroom Feasting Menu, featuring a range of flavoursome fungi dishes. See www.carluccios.com for more details.
La Cucina Caldesi in London is holding a truffle evening on 27 October from 6.30pm to 10pm, giving punters the chance to learn about and taste this season's truffles. La Cucina Caldesi, 118 Marylebone Lane (020 7487 0750).
The Swan hotel at Southwold in Suffolk is hosting a special two-day fungi event on 29 and 30 October including a mushroom-themed dinner and all-day mushroom hunt in a local forest. The Swan hotel, High Street, Southwold, Suffolk (01502 722186).
Brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin at Galvin Bistrot de Luxe in London are incorporating all sorts of mushrooms on their restaurant's seasonal menu. Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, 66 Baker Street (020 7935 4007).