Introduction to Identifying Fungi

Essential Information

Course tutor: Dominique Colback, North East Fungus Study Group

Start date: Wednesday 1 October, 10 am-12 pm

Course length: 1 session

Location: Wallington, Morpeth. Meeting point will be the main car park, NZ 02671 84388, NE61 4AP. Please arrive by 9:45am to facilitate entrance to the site – There will be no charge for access to Wallington while on the walk. (Those who are not NT members, who wish to spend further time at Wallington after the foray will need to meet Wallington’s entrance requirements.) Would those of you who are NT members please bring your membership with you.

Course cost: £12.50 NHSN Members / £15 Non-Members

About this course

Learn the common characteristics and habits of a wide variety of fungi, which can then be used to assist in their identification. Consider the importance of fungi within a woodland ecosystem and, where known, the role of each species e.g. saprophytic - the recyclers, mycorrhizal - those which contribute to tree health. And, hopefully, a range of parasites with their various hosts, from plants to other fungi and, if lucky, insects* (*see accompanying photo).

We will experience the many different shapes, colours, odours and textures that fungi have adopted; the very characteristics that have caught the attention of those who are drawn to fungi.

Level/accessibility

This course is suitable for beginners and enthusiasts like. Please bring sturdy boots.

About Your Tutor

I was first introduced to ‘wild’ fungi when still in single figures. By early teens, I was identifying both edible and less palatable species. This interest was further developed over the coming years. More than twenty years ago I had the pleasure of meeting two people named Gordon. Dr Gordon Beakes, which resulted in my attending his evening course about fungi for a number of years. He introduced me to Gordon Simpson (at the time a semi-retired forester with a wide knowledge of natural history, including many, many fungi). I was then invited to join the NEFSG (fungi focused field recording group). Each Gordon would go on to provide me with paid fungal work: Dr G Beakes with his biology students, working as a demonstrator for his annual ‘Introduction to Identifying Fungi’ field course. Mr G Simpson arranged for me to take over his sideline of leading fungal forays for the Forestry Commission, at various locations

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