Talks
Mike Collison - 'All things Truffles'
Where:
Castle Garden Stage - Castle Gardens
When:
Mike Collison, co owner of Shropshire Truffles, Shropshire
Mike, along with Michelle, own the family business ‘Shropshire Truffles,’ based in Stapleton.
They collect and sell truffles from their very own truffle orchard, along with truffle butter (made with an amazing 10% truffle).
In 2008 they decided to plant 4 acres of their field to truffles. A mixture of species was selected – mainly hazel and oak. They under sowed the orchard with wildflowers and left it to nature, unsure if it was an expensive folly, maybe a bit of fun or a new venture for the future.
In the Autumn of 2018, they began to find truffles, but were unable to collect them without a trained dog. Then arrived Oscar, a truffle hunting puppy who is now an exceptional truffle hound.
The truffle orchard is a source of interest both locally and nationally, due to its exceptional performance and their story from the planting of the first trees through to trying to sell truffles in the middle of a pandemic, onto the business it has become.
They have since appeared in local press, regional television and international news.
Three fantastic festivals
12, 13 & 14 September 2025
Showcasing independent food and drink producers from the Marches. Embracing contemporary food trends & innovations.
9, 10 & 11 May 2025
Barrels of real ale, live music, talks, food and drink, kids' activities and a host of classic vehicles.
Sunday 10 August 2025
Ramble through the rolling countryside surrounding Ludlow and enjoy delicious food and drink from the region's producers.