Golden Signals: First Chanterelles Spotted in Laois

Date: July 19, 2025
Region: Laois, Ireland
Species: Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)

The ShroomCast team has confirmed one of the first field sightings of chanterelles this season — directly matching our model’s early prediction.

On July 19, our testers recorded fresh chanterelle growth in mixed Douglas fir woodland in Laois. ShroomCast showed a 12% forecast probability for this day, which corresponds with the observation. The mushrooms were found in mossy, moist soil, under shaded canopy and ivy.

ShroomCast forecast correctly predicted early chanterelles in Laois

On July 19th, our forecast model showed a 12% probability of chanterelle growth in the Laois region. While this might seem like a low number, our test confirmed that chanterelles had already begun appearing in shaded, mossy areas of Douglas fir forest.
This observation supports the model’s sensitivity to early triggers like recent rain, air temperature, and forest composition — even before peak season begins.

In the forest: Real photos of chanterelles in Laois

All three photographs below were taken on-site during our field validation in Laois. The chanterelles appeared healthy and vibrant, often nestled in moss or leaf litter, confirming optimal microclimatic conditions for early fruiting.

We observed small clusters of 1–4 mushrooms, mainly growing along the edge of Douglas fir stands, with consistent moisture and partial canopy cover. These photos serve as real-world confirmation of model accuracy, despite the forecast being below peak probability levels.

This successful early-season validation reinforces our mission: helping foragers predict when and where mushrooms grow, using real data and environmental models.
ShroomCast is still in beta, but results like these give us confidence as we prepare for launch.
If you’d like to be the first to try the app, join the waitlist below.

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