In the beginning of June, we received an email about a suspected truffle find in Hertfordshire woodland. After receiving samples, we are able to  confirm that it is indeed the first new summer truffle find of the season. If you suspect that you have found truffles, please get in touch as we always love to hear of your discoveries. Please don’t consume anything if you are unsure what it is, email us atshop@plantationsystems.com and we can identify the species.

Tofu flecked with gold flake, foie gras pudding, caviar-topped dim sum: It’s no secret that Hong Kong likes to glam up its food. Now, the fast food giant Burger King is also getting into the act. The latest indulgent menu addition here in Hong Kong is a black truffle burger – part of its overall premium series of food items intended to present “a taste of royal delicacy”, as the company puts it.

Here is advance notice of the rules and payment rates for the 2012 woodland creation round, where there are substantial increases in the grants awarded. Full guidance will be available later this month, at which point the forestry commission will be open for applications under the 2012 rules / rates. The basic planting rate will rise by a thousand pounds for broadleaves (a suitable grant for truffle plantations) to £2,800/ha. New woodland that delivers key national

Skills for chefs is a conference and exhibition that showcases the talents of leading chefs. There will be over 170 chefs at the event, and our own Paul Thomas will be delivering a presentation focusing on truffles, explaining, amongst other things, the different species and how to get the best flavour out of them. Some chefs will also be demonstrating cooking techniques with the gourmet fungi.