Description
A half day foraging walk exploring the abundance of early autumn mushrooms. At this time of year if the conditions are right some of the best eating mushrooms start to put in an appearance. The Penny Bun, Girole, Green Cracking Russula, Summer Cep, Beefsteak Fungi, Chicken of the Woods - to name but a few.
The location of this walk is Kidbrooke Park, neighbouring the Ashdown Forest. Kidbrooke Park is a 150 acre site with ancient woodland, meadows, streams, lakes and landscaped gardens offering multiple idyllic settings to explore nature. This course will introduce you to the fundamental skills required forage for wild mushrooms safely and with ecological consideration. You will get to explore various woodland habitats at this location under the guidance of experienced forager James Grant. James will show you how to approach the subject of foraging in a safe and fun manner considering the different fungi families and their features to get you started exploring the world of mushroom hunting.
Sessions
- Mushroom Foraging Walk - The walk will last approximately 3hrs and will cover easy to identify fungi and their companions (plants & trees) that are found along the way. You will learn the different collecting techniques required for the hugely varied species types that will undoubtedly be encountered at this time of year. Any species that are in abundance will also be collected to be used for lunch.
- Mushroom ID Basics & Lunch - The walk will finish at a bushcraft style basecamp where you will get the chance to have a go at identifying a specimen or two with the use of a field guide. While you sit and study your chosen specimens the freshly foraged edibles will be campfire cooked for lunch.
Skills covered
- Fungi ID
- Tree & Plant ID
- Harvesting techniques
These experiences are aimed at adult humans and as a result dogs are not allowed.
