Introduction to Identifying Fungi

Essential Information

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Course tutor: Dominique Colback, North East Fungus Study Group

Start date: Wednesday 29 October, 10am-12pm

Course length: 1 session

Location: Sidwood, just north of Greenhaugh near Bellingham, grid ref: NY 78249 88448, What3Words bulky.smudges.appendix. Postcode: NE48 1NB (when entered into Google Maps, this will take you beyond the intended parking location; please be cautious if using the Postcode).

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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, which contribute to tree health.

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.

I was introduced to Sidwood by two people named Gordon. One was a semi-retired forester who held public forays on behalf of the then Forestry Commission at this location (at his request I took over his forays here and elsewhere). The other was a university lecturer who took his evening fungi course attendees there to collect specimens for classroom identification. Also, in recent years, the British Mycological Society visited this site during their week in Northumberland.

Sidwood is part of the Kielder Forest area; however, the bit we will be going to is quite different from other parts. Whilst there is a bit of spruce - just enough to provide fungal variety - the presence of mature Scots pine, beech, birch, and some other significant fungal associates are what gives this site much potential to provide a diverse range of fungi, for which it has a long record.

Level/accessibility

This course is suitable for beginners and enthusiasts alike. 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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