Introduction to Identifying Fungi

Essential Information

Please pay particular attention to the meeting point listed, not that shown by Eventbrite

Course tutor: Dominique Colback, North East Fungus Study Group

Start date: Wednesday 12 November, 10am-12pm

Course length: 1 session

Location: Havannah Nature Reserve car park, NZ 21514 71836, dream.headed.slows

Please ignore the automatic location given by Eventbrite. Find a grid reference: https://gridreferencefinder.com

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.

All of the previous sites were selected because they have a diverse collection of mature trees, a record of being home to many fungi and with each location also likely to have some different species from each other. Havannah/Three Hills is slightly different in that it is young woodland located on an old mining site. It has a diverse range of younger trees, which have, when combined with how the surface was prepared (soil and subsoil), have provided a habitat enjoyed by many fungi. Over the years rare fungi seldom found in more typical woodland have been found/recorded here.

Along with the wide range of fungi, Havannah is also known for its diverse fauna and flora, highlights including the great crested newt and many butterflies, with a new addition this summer - the Silver-washed Fritillary (as reported on the local BBC news page).

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

_______________________

Please read the terms and conditions for NHSN education courses before booking.