About this Event
Discover the extraordinary world of fungi on a practical, hands-on day of foraging, identification, tasting and experimentation.This course offers the opportunity to explore and discover the fungal flora of the Ashdown Forest area with its varied mosaic of woodland and grassland habitats providing the potential to encounter a fascinating diversity of fungi.
Suitable for both beginners and those with intermediate fungi knowledge, the day will introduce you to the principles of safe and systematic identification, sustainable harvesting, edible and medicinal fungi, poisonous species, and some more advanced methods of cooking and preservation.
The course begins at 9.30 am and concludes at approximately 3:00 pm.
EXPLORING AND IDENTIFYING FUNGI
Drawing on my 30 years of experience identifying and gathering fungi, we will explore a range of fungal habitats, including different types of woodland and grassland.
Exactly where we forage will depend upon seasonal conditions and the quality and quantity of fungi present.
Rather than simply being shown a succession of named mushrooms, an important part of the day will be learning how to identify fungi for yourself.We will work with some excellent fungi identification keys, alongside a range of field guides, and look closely at the characteristics used to distinguish one fungus from another. Much fungal identification in the field, particularly when working with the naked eye rather than microscopes, involves bringing together a range of characteristics that collectively point towards a particular identification. These may include habitat, associated trees, cap and stem features, gills or pores, texture, smell, colour changes, spore colour and other diagnostic characteristics.
The identification keys used during the course provide a systematic way of working through these features. Learning to use them can greatly increase your confidence and accuracy when identifying fungi independently, particularly in establishing the correct genus and, where possible, species.We will also give particular attention to poisonous fungi and potentially dangerous lookalikes, and to understanding the limitations of field identification.
FUNGI AS FOOD
The course goes beyond basic identification to explore some of the remarkable ways fungi can be used in the kitchen.Alongside discussing edible species and sustainable harvesting, we will look at both traditional and more unusual approaches to cooking, preserving and transforming fungi. During the day you will have the opportunity to taste a selection of mushroom products, which may include candied fungi, pickled fungi, lacto-fermented fungi, concentrated liquid mushroom seasoning, mushroom cookies and other seasonal preparations and preserved fungi.The exact selection will vary depending on what has been prepared and what is seasonally available. We will also discuss fungi traditionally used medicinally and consider some of the different ways they have been prepared and used.
BEYOND EATING: OTHER USES OF FUNGI
Fungi are far more than something to put in a frying pan. During the course information will be given on some of their many non-food uses, These may include painting, natural dyeing, ink making and paper making. This broader approach can also be a wonderful way of introducing children to fungi. Whether or not you have children yourself, exploring fungi through colour, craft, materials and ecology offers an alternative to the strongly mycophobic culture of fear that has historically surrounded fungi in Britain.The intention is not to remove a healthy respect for potentially poisonous species, but to replace indiscriminate fear with knowledge, curiosity and informed confidence.
WHAT IS PROVIDED
Gloves, collecting baskets, fungi identification keys and hand lenses will be available for use during the day. You are welcome to bring your own field guides, hand lens, basket or other fungi equipment if you have them.
LOCATIONMeet at Tompsets Bank Carpark, Forest Row, RH18 5BG
to depart at 9.30
BOOKING AND CONTACT DETAILS
Tickets may be purchased for yourself or as a gift for a family member, friend or colleague.
Cancellation Policy:
If you have paid but can't attend, tickets can be gifted or sold to another person. There are no refunds or transfers to another date. If Fergus cancels, a full ticket refund will be provided. To help ensure good communication before the course, after booking please email me with a mobile number and email address for the person attending:
This is particularly important because the meeting point changes and or for any last-minute practical information.
Event venue & nearby stays
Tompsets Banks Car Park, Tompsets Bank, Forest Row, United Kingdom
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