Melissa Waddingham

I am a self taught professional truffle hunter and wild mushroom picker. I did a forestry degree at Plumpton College in 2008 to support my already growing knowledge about fungi which was at that time an evolving hobby which grew into a passion for amateur mycology and what lay ahead in the quest for fungal and woodland knowledge.

In the spring and autumn months I run mushroom forays, truffle hunts, talks, courses and throughout the year I provide truffle hound training days for your truffle hound to be.

I also manage wild truffle woodlands for the sustainable production of truffle and give consultancy advice and offer fungi and truffle surveys for private woodland owners.

I was the original founder of The UK Truffle Festival and Dog Championships 2022-2023 . I have been pursuing a new role and founding the Great British Truffle Festival 2024-2025-2026. A new venture which fills me with excitement for the next one and the future, especially as the last three were such a great success.