About Me…
Hi, I’m Dan Head, a professional truffle hunter, along with my working cocker spaniel, Winnie. She’s not just my partner in the woods, but the heart of our truffle-hunting journey.
Roots in Nature
My love for dogs and the outdoors started young. As a child, I spent hours with my Nan training our two German shepherds and walking in the woods. The forest has always felt like home to me, a place where my respect for nature first took root.
Over the years, that respect for the natural world grew alongside my passion for good food, travel, and writing about my culinary adventures. Many trips to Italy, and plenty of truffle-rich meals made it clear that truffle hunting was where all these passions would come together. With a background in horticulture, I had the perfect foundation to pursue this path.
Our Journey
Winnie is a true working dog, and from the beginning I knew it was important to keep her mind active and engaged. We spent countless hours training together, building her skills and strengthening our bond. All that dedication paid off when Winnie went on to win- The UK Truffle Festival 2023, a proud moment that marked the start of something bigger.
Since then, we’ve become completely truffle-obsessed. Together we’ve travelled across the country, exploring different counties and hunting for truffles in a wide range of landscapes. Each adventure has not only sharpened our skills but deepened our love for the hunt and the connection it gives us to the land.
Respect for Nature
When Winnie and I head out hunting, we do so with care. We leave no trace, and we always work in harmony with the land to protect the delicate ecosystems.
Working with Landowners
We work closely with landowners and orchard owners, helping them unlock the potential of their land. Whether it’s checking to see if truffles are present, harvesting orchards efficiently, or giving expert advice on how to improve yields, our approach is always thorough and respectful. With our hard work, experience, and physical capability, Winnie and I can harvest a significant amount of truffles in a short space of time, always without damaging the delicate truffles or the soil they grow in.
Tools of the Trade
Early on, I discovered how difficult it was to find truffle-hunting tools in the UK. So, I began designing my own, crafted to suit English terrain, built to last and made to be as beautiful as they are practical.
Dog Training
Along the way, I’ve also had the privilege of helping others start their own truffle-hunting journeys. While Winnie and I are first and foremost truffle hunters, we’re open to supporting genuine people who want to enrich their dogs’ lives while respecting nature.
I’m not interested in training thousands of people, it wouldn’t be sustainable for the truffle world. Instead, I prefer to work closely with a small number of dedicated individuals. This might be through one-to-one Zoom sessions or shadow sessions in an orchard or woodland. My aim is to pass on knowledge in a way that supports both the dog and the land, keeping the tradition of truffle hunting alive responsibly.
