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Events and attractions
UK Fungus Day events are happening across the UK on or around 7 October 2023. There are so many ways to get involved including public garden and museum visits, universities showcasing fungal science, fungus-finding walks, activities in schools and displays of fungal art.
Upcoming events:
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
Fungi guided tours and exhibition
14 - 15 October 2023
10:00 and 15:00
Sir Harold HIllier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Romsey, SO51 0QA
With walks in the Gardens and a display in the Education Centre the diversity of garden and woodland fungi will be shown to you by the Hampshire Fungus Recording Group. Typically, the group find and display over 70 different types of fungi.
FIND OUT MORE
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
Fantastic Fungi trail at National Trust, Basildon Park
14 - 31 October 2023
10:00 - 17:00
Basildon Park, Reading, Berkshire
Fantastic Fungi will be celebrated at Basildon Park with an outdoor trail, perfect for adventurers of all ages. Pick up a trail sheet from reception to help you find fungi themed facts, games and activities.
£2 per trail sheet, includes a prize.
FIND OUT MORE
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
Shroom Sunday
15 October 2023
09:30 - 17:00
Pimp Hall Nature Reserve, London, E4 7HR
Join London Fungus Network and the Friends of Pimp Hall Park and Nature Reserve for their annual mycological celebration. The programme will include: guided fungus forays; guided walks with tree, invertebrate & medicinal plant experts; children’s fungi-inspired arts and crafts; clay mushroom making workshop (all ages); DIY mushroom cultivation masterclass; Mycelium Movement workshop; open-MYC performance, poetry & spoken word; fungus-based food & beverages; self-guided nature trail; and more!
BOOK HERE
SCOTLAND
Hannah Read - The Fungi Sessions Vol 1.
19 October 2023
19:30 - 22:00
Summerhall, Newington, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL
Award-winning musician Hannah Read will be sharing her new album ahead of its release date, The Fungi Sessions Vol. 1, playing alongside Michael Starkey at the Main Hall in Summerhall in her native Edinburgh this October. Delving into what inspired Hannah, there will also be a panel discussion on some of the latest research around fungi, including with Dr Edward Wallace (University of Edinburgh), Professor Carol Munro (University of Aberdeen) and Professor Thorunn Helgason (University of Edinburgh).
BOOK HERE
NORTH EAST
Etal Fungi Festival
21 and 22 October 2023
10:00 - 16:30 both days
Forays at 10:00 and 13:30
Etal Village Hall, North Northumberland
Organised by the Borders Fungus Group, this festival includes forays on both days at 10:00 and 13:30, fungi name trail, dyed wool display using local fungi and lichens, hand made to scale fungi models, A-Z fungi quilt, hand made crafts of fungal in clay, fungi tombola, Magic Fungi Mushroom house open to children, fungi quizzes and colouring, and more.
Also including a display by Newcastle University, showing how fungi affect humans and crops.
Free to attend and open to the general public.
NORTH WEST
Walking talk: The Hunt for FUNgi
27 October 2023
10:00 and 13:00
Ambleside, Cumbria
Follow in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter and join us the hunt for FUNgi. Paul Nichol, county recorder and founder of Cumbria Fungi Group, leads a guided walk through Skelghyll Wood on a fungi hunt inspired by Beatrix Potter’s incredible scientific illustrations and her passion for all things mycological. The walk will finish at the Armitt Museum with the chance to see some of Beatrix Potters original fungi illustrations.
The walk will start from the Stagshaw Garden car park and end at The Armitt Museum. The route through the wood involves some steep inclines, the ground may be wet and slippery and as it will be October the weather may be cold, please take this into consideration and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
The closest parking to Skelghyll Wood is the car park for Stagshaw Garden, National Trust, however this car park has limited space. Other parking is available in Ambleside and at Waterhead, and there is a footpath along the lake side of the A591 which leads to Stagshaw Garden and Skelghyll Wood. Please be aware that many car parks in the area are pay and display.
Tickets cost £10. Available online at https://www.armitt.com/event-directory/
Contact details 01539 431212 or info@armitt.com.
Past events:
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Pop-up shop: The wonderful world of fungi
30 September 2023
The Cornish Bank, Falmouth, Cornwall,
TR11 3EF
10:00 - 15:00
Have you considered how fungi affect our daily lives? How do they affect human populations and how do changes in the management of chronic health conditions affect fungal diseases? How important are fungi for us and our environment?
Prof. Mark Ramsdale who is an Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the University of Exeter and MRC-Centre for Medical Mycology will lead you on an exploration of the interconnectedness between fungi and humanity.
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Walkie talkie: The wonderful world of fungi
1 October 2023
The Cornish Bank, Falmouth, Cornwall,
TR11 3EF
11:00 - 11:45
This guided walk around Falmouth will be led by Professor Mark Ramsdale from the University of Exeter and MRC-Centre for Medical Mycology. Over the course of the walk he’ll share some of his research into the importance of fungi to human health and the natural world.
This event is part of FUTURES, a FREE festival of discovery for all ages where you can explore the past, create the present and imagine the future.
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
Royal Horticultural Society's UK Fungus Day Activities
5 - 8 October 2023
RHS Garden Wisley, Wisley Lane, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB
Hilltop Live talks - 5 and 6 October at 11:30 and 14:00, and 7 and 8 October (times TBC - see RHS website).
Free talks to celebrate UK Fungus Day at Hilltop Live. Sessions are free and last approximately 30 minutes.
Free fungi walks - 5 and 6 October - book your place online. Meet at RHS Hilltop. Follow RHS scientists on a guided tour to discover the fascinating fungi growing around the RHS Garden Wisley.
Family Fun-gi activities - 6 October 12:00 - 16:00, 7 and 8 October 10:00 - 16:00, at the Garden Room, RHS Hilltop. This will include a photo display, spore print art, you can see fungi under the microscope, and report on your own fungal finds from around the RHS garden.
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
'Identifying Fantastic Fungi' workshop
6 October 2023
10:00 - 15:00
Surrey Wildlife Trust's Nower Wood Education Centre, Leatherhead, Surrey
Tutors for this workshop will be Roger Granby and Dick Alder. The group will be able to spend the morning in the classroom learning about fungi, then in the afternoon going outside, to look at the different fungi that live in the woods.
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
The British Lichen Society's Autumn Meeting
6 - 9 October 2023
Herne Farm Leisure Centre, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 4PJ
Based in Petersfield on the edge of the South Downs this meeting provides the opportunity to visit sites for which records were last submitted at least 20 years ago. In many cases the records date from between 30 and 50 years ago.
FIND OUT MORE
CENTRAL ENGLAND
Fungi Foray at Charnwood Lodge
6 October 2023
10:00 - 12:00
Charnwood Lodge, Warren Hills Road, Copt Oak, Leicestershire, LE67 4UX
Join fungi expert Ben Devine to undercover an array of fungi at Charnwood Lodge.
Ben is passionate about fungi and will guide you around Charnwood Lodge to discover and identify all types of fungi growing at the reserve. Enjoy the reserve in its glorious autumnal colours too. Booking is essential as this walk is very popular.
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
Fungi Festival at National Trust Emmetts Garden
6 - 29 October 2023
Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks,
TN14 6BA
The Fungi Festival is inspired by the array of weird and wonderful specimens found at Emmetts. Explore all kinds of quirky and unique mushroom wares at the Fungi Fair 6-8 October. (Normal admission applies.) For fungi fans who want to take a deeper dive, we've got an exciting programme of expert talks 13-15 October. (Talks £8) For October half term there's lots of fungi fun for families including craft sessions, photography workshops, live music and food stalls.
ONLINE
Online cider tasting event with Sandford Orchards
7 October 2023
19:00 / Online
Join Sandford Orchards for a unique online cider tasting experience as part of the UK Fungus Day festivities. The truth is that the genius of yeasts at a microscopic level, makes them the real champions of the cider world. The influence of yeast strains and their metabolic pathway can make a surprising and radical difference to the flavour of a cider.
Guided by Barny Butterfield from Sandford Orchards, participants will explore a curated selection of ciders, learn about the fermentation process, and discover the intriguing role that fungi play in crafting distinct flavours. This event offers an opportunity to savour delightful ciders while gaining insights into the hidden fungal activities behind one of our favourite drinks. Raise a glass to fungi’s diverse contributions during this interactive online gathering.
Tickets cost £20 each, and sales end on 3rd October.
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
UK Fungus Day celebration at Westbury Wildlife Park
7 October 2023
Westbury Wildlife Park, Bristol, BS9 3ET
12:00 - 16:00 and 16:00 - 20:00
Daytime events will run from 12:00 - 16:00 to include:
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The great mushroom make-off ceramic mushroom trail
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Talk from Dr Alan Raynor of Bath University on "a natural flow story - lessons from fungi"
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Wild walks from Steve England on foraging and the autumnal natural bounties
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Talk from mushroom grower Antony Potts from the Flushrooms
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Walking stories from Martin Maudsley
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Pottery and print making at WotPots (additional cost)
Evening events from 16:00 - 20:00 will include a magical light and sound display, night time mushroom trail, live music and hot food and drinks!
Tickets cost £7.50 for the daytime schedule, and £7.50 for the evening, plus booking fees.
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
University of Exeter Open Doors Event
7 October 2023
Geoffrey Pope Building,
University of Exeter, EX4 4QD
11:00 - 15:00
The fungal biologists at the University of Exeter, Devon Fungus Group and local artists will showcase their work at this Open Doors event on 7 October. The day will include an on-campus foray, and time to chat with researchers about their work, as well as a variety of interactive displays for all ages.
Free and open to all.
FIND OUT MORE.
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Cornwall Fungus Recording Group event
7 October 2023
Lanhydrock National Trust estate,
Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AB
There will be a guided walk in the nearby woodland in the morning, and again in the afternoon. Join the event at the marquee opposite the café, where there will also be a display of fungi, leaflets and information.
Call 07842 193735 to book a place on a walk.
CENTRAL SW ENGLAND
Cotswold Fungus Group forays at Westonbirt Arboretum
7 October 2023
10:30 and 13:30
Westonbirt Arboretum, GL8 8QS
The Westonbirt Arboretum is a very species rich site, and a very popular location especially when the trees are in their Autumn colours. The Group will lead forays at 10:30 and 13:30. Normal entrance fee to the Arboretum is payable, and open to the public.
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WEST MIDLANDS
Herefordshire Fungus Survey Group event at Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum
7 October 2023
11:00 - 15:00
Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum, Dinmore Hill, Leominster, HR6 0PY
Join the Herefordshire Fungus Survey Group for fungus forays, fabulous fungi displays and a chance to have your specimens identified. Free and open to all. Forays leave at 11:15, 12:15 and 14:15.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland Fungus Group walk at Derrymore House
7 October 2023
11:00 - 16:00
Derrymore House, Bessbrook, Newry, County Armagh, BT35 7EF
Join the Northern Ireland Fungus Group for a walk at National Trust Derrymore House.
Free and open to all. Lunch will be from 12:30 - 13:00 and please bring your own packed lunch.
FIND OUT MORE.
WALES
National Botanic Garden of Wales guided walks
7 October 2023
Llanarthne, Middleton Hall, Llanarthne, SA32 8HN
To mark this annual focus on the science and conservation of wild mushrooms, the National Botanic Garden of Wales will be running two guided walks. These will show you the weird and wonderful fungi that live in the flower beds, lawns, woods and meadows around the Garden. There will also be a table display of fungi fruiting bodies that have been found by local mycologists, a great way to see what an incredible range of fungi live in South Wales.
FIND OUT MORE
EAST ENGLAND
Belfairs Family Fungi Walk
7 October 2023
10:00 and 12:00
Belfairs Nature Discovery Park, Leigh on Sea, SS9 4LR
Join Essex Wildlife Trust for a walk in the woods to look at fantastic fungi! The walks will be led by the Wilder Learning Officer, all are welcome, and the walk will be approximately 3 miles.
Tickets cost £5 per person and pre-booking is essential.
FIND OUT MORE
WALES
Pembrokeshire Fungus Recording Network UK Fungus Day event
7 October 2023
Castell Henllys Iron Age Village site
This event is run in conjunction with the Pembrokeshire National Park Authority at their Castell Henllys Iron Age Village site in north Pembrokeshire.
WALES
'Mushroom Cultivation'
Short Course
7 October 2023
09:30 - 16:00
Troed yr Harn, Talgarth
Talgarth-based mushroom grower and tincture maker, Marley Burns of SuperFungi will teach the basics of indoor and outdoor mushroom cultivation. Starting with a fungi foray from Talgarth centre to the Troed yr Hard campus, led by a local mycologist. We will learn what fungi grow in the local woodlands and how wild harvesting should be done sensitively. At the campus, we will learn the basics of mushroom cultivation: about both high and low technology approaches, the growth cycle of fungi, homemade substrates and how to optimise conditions for different mushroom types from inoculation to fruiting.
NORTH ENGLAND
Sorby Fungus Group event
7 October 2023
Drop in between 11:00 and 15:00
Guided walk at 13:00
Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve, Sheffield
The Sorby Fungus Group will be holding a family friendly drop-in event at Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve in Sheffield. They will be based outside the Visitor Centre, off Stone Lane. The car park is before the Visitor Centre and the postcode is S13 7BR.
There will be displays, activities and information, plus a few experts to answer questions. Guided walk will start at 13:00.
Queries to: fungi@sorby.org.uk
CENTRAL ENGLAND
Nottinghamshire event at RSPB Edwinstowe
7 October 2023
10:00 - 16:00
RSPB Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
Free of charge fungi walks will take place during the day, two in the morning and one in the afternoon, as well as a display of fungi and information and some activities for children.
Free to attend. Parking is chargeable unless you're an RSPB member. Meet at the RSPB Centre.
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
North East Fungus Study Group event
7 October 2023
10:00 - 16:00
Meet at The Witham, 3 Horse Market, Barnard Castle, DL12 8LY
Includes a foray into local woodlands to find fungi, leaving from the Witham at 10:00 and 13:00. Also, check out the specimen tables and discover the vast variety of fungi living all around us. Bring in your own fungi from home and ask the experts to help with identification!
Clay fun for kinds and fungi crafts - 'Wood Stocked' will be there, with their wooden mushroom ornaments and free clay craft activities for children in the morning.
Flirt with Fermentation at 11:00 and 13:00 in the free taster workshops, where you can learn how to make yoghurt, kefir, kombucha and kimchi from an expert at Brewferm. Book your place on the fermentation workshops here.
Threads in the Ground - Make unique sculptures form mushroom mycelium at free afternoon workshops. Book online here.
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
Meet the Wallington rangers, Northumberland
7 October 2023
12:00 and 14:00
National Trust Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland, NE61 4AR
Meet the Wallington rangers to find out more about fungi and trees, the wood wide web and attacking fungi.
What’s the point in fungus? Come along and find out. Free, drop in, normal entry applies.
All day: Pick up a fungus spotting sheet and see how many different types you can see once you start to search. Make a spore artwork (times and details tbc).
EAST ENGLAND
Event at Little Paxton Nature Reserve
7 October 2023
Little Paxton Nature Reserve, High Street, Little Paxton, Saint Neots, PE19 6ET
There will be two walks around different parts of the reserve to look for specimens, which can then be looked at in more detail in the visitor centre. Led by the Huntingdonshire Fungus Group.
10:30 - 12:00 Walk
12:00 - 12:30 Identifying fungi at the centre
13:30 - 15:00 Walk
15:00 - 15:30 Identifying fungi at the centre
EAST ENGLAND
Hanningfield Family Fungi Walk
7 October 2023
10:00 and 12:00
Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, Billericay, CM11 1WT
Join Essex Wildlife Trust for a walk in the woods to look at fantastic fungi! The walks will be led by the Wilder Learning Officer, all are welcome, and the walk will be approximately 3 miles.
Tickets cost £5 per person and pre-booking is essential.
FIND OUT MORE
CENTRAL ENGLAND
Fungi Foray at Rutland Water
7 October 2023
10:00 - 12:00
Volunteer Training Centre, Oakham Road, Hambleton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8TL
Join Species and Recording Officer Tim Sexton on UK Fungus Day, for a walk from the Volunteer Training Centre to discover and learn about the fungi found at Cherry Wood and Rutland Water Reserve. ID Walk for Beginners only.
SCOTLAND
Grampian Fungus Group Foray to Potarch Woods
7 October 2023
Potarch Woods, Aberdeenshire
Meet in the main car park at Potarch, Map 37 NO 606 973.After last year’s interesting Spring foray we are returning in the autumn. We will foray on the path alongside the Burn of Angels, Scots pine, birch and willow woodlands entering into mature pine forest if time allows
To book a place: please contact Toni Watt hollywatt@aol.com 0777 3626981
SCOTLAND
Tayside and Fife Fungal Group event
8 October 2023
Camperdown House, Camperdown Park, Dundee
The Tayside and Fife Fungal Group will take small groups out to search the park for interesting fungi.
There is parking and a café nearby.
SCOTLAND
Edinburgh and Lothians Fungus Enthusiasts event
8 October 2023
Holyrood Park Education Centre, Edinburgh
11:00 - 15:00
The public are welcome to this event which will include fungi models, a microscope table, book display and a children's activities area, as well as take part in forays out into the park to see fungi in situ.
Meet at Holyrood Park Education Centre, behind Holyrood Palace.
CENTRAL ENGLAND
Warwickshire Fungus Group event
8 October 2023
Starting at 10:30
Coombe Abbey Country Park, Brinklow Road, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2AB
Go on a foray walk with the Warwickshire Fungus Group in an area of wet woodland, mature trees and a small pinetum.
Free for all to attend, and parking costs £3.50 for the day (card payment only).
ONLINE
International Symposium
8 October 2023
Online / FREE
This online webinar is open to anyone interested in fungi, at any level. Featuring twelve speakers from around the world, topics include: mycorrhizal fungi; lichens and pathogens; mycelial networks; yeasts; terrestrial fungi from the poles to the tropics; the significance of fungi for food; fungi and health; future uses of fungi.
Three sessions of talks, each followed by a general discussion, will take place in the morning, afternoon and evening of Sunday 8 October enabling viewers from all continents to listen to live talks from wherever they are based. Recordings will be made available to watch later, so you can catch up on those you may have missed!
This webinar is the third of its kind created for UK Fungus Day, and will be hosted this year by the British Mycological Society.
SEE THE PROGRAMME
REGISTER HERE!