Biofluorescent Night Walk with Kit Ondaatje Rolls

A nocturnal woodland adventure using ultraviolet light to reveal a spectacular world usually hidden from view.

Discover the surprising colours and patterns concealed within fungi, lichens, insects, plants, and other woodland inhabitants at Sporefaring Festival. Species that appear ordinary by day, like slugs and snails, can glow brilliant greens, blues, oranges, and pinks under UV light. We won’t need to walk far as the slower you go, the more you see.

Kit Ondaatje Rolls is a biodesigner, fungi researcher, and author. She holds an MA in Biodesign from Central Saint Martins, where she specialised in regenerative systems and mycelium-based materials. She founded the London Native Fungi Library, a living genetic archive of medicinal mushroom strains sourced from Greater London, which she cultivates and extracts into native mushroom tinctures. Her work explores the ecological, cultural, and creative worlds of fungi, encouraging deeper engagement with the natural world. Her book 'FUNGI: Creatures & Cultures' was published by Watkins Books earlier in July

This walk will be in the dark, once the sun has completely gone down. We will meet at dusk to orientate ourselves.

Please note: This event is NOT included in Festival Passes

What to bring: Bring sensible shoes, warm/wet weather clothing and a bottle of water. UV torches will be provided but do feel free to bring your own if you have one (a 365nm black torch is best).

This will be a gentle walk in the dark over uneven ground for around 2 hours. There may not be any toilet facilities.

All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and require their own ticket.

Optional purchases: Take-home biofluorescent ink to create hidden artwork or letters revealed only under UV light.