After a successful launch in 2023, we are delighted to be running a full-day introduction for fungi/mushroom identification course in Nottinghamshire again this autumn. Rather than being a foraging course, this event focusses on teaching participants how to identify different species of mushroom for themselves equipping them with the tools to gain more confidence and skill in the field.

This course is aimed at those starting out in this fascinating subject, or those who feel frustrated when trying to identify from guidebooks or online information alone. Participants will be guided step-by-step through the early process of fungi identification to give a solid grounding to go forward from. Last year's delegates were finding and identifying species by themselves at the end of the day.

Macroscopic (rather than microscopic) techniques will be taught, meaning no expensive specialised equipment will be needed to start using your new knowledge straight away.

After this course you will be able to

• identify a selection of key fungi genera
• understand what to look for when identifying mushrooms/fungi
• avoid common pitfalls
• explore habitats more effectively
• appreciate the importance and role of fungi to ecosystems
• begin to use guide book more efficiently
• recognise some of the terminology used by mycologists
• start to understand scientific naming 
• enjoy your time outdoors more with your new skills

The day will involve a mixture of classroom and field work, and will include course literature and equipment needed for the day, which you will keep, including: a field guide, identification key, hand lens and course notes. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided but participants will need to bring a packed lunch with them. Those booking before 31 July 2024 will also get a free woven foraging basket* to take away with them on the day.

This course will take place at Newstead Abbey. The outdoor parts of this course will take place on various land within the area covering a range of different fungal habitats including off track areas in woodland. We will be walking on muddy woodland tracks, wet grassland and there may be some hilly areas. By booking, participants confirm they can travel across this type of terrain.

Due to the appearance of fungi being reliant on preceding weather conditions, we cannot guarantee what specific genera will be present during the course. The instructor/s will focus on what is found on the day.

This venue is easy to reach from Nottingham, Mansfield, Newark, Sheffield, Doncaster, Lincoln, Leicester, Chesterfield, Worksop, Retford, Grantham, and Derby.

Participants must be aged 18 or over - sorry, no children under 18 or babes in arms on this course.

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on the course.

Smoking is not permitted in the woodland, indoor areas or within proximity of non-smoking members of the group. Vaping is not permitted indoors or within close proximity of the rest of the group.

Exact meet-up location and further information sent a few weeks ahead of the course.  Dietary requirement information will also be requested at this point

Terms and conditions can be found on www.foragingcoursecompany.co.uk

This is not a foraging course and edibility will not be a focus of this course

Vouchers/voucher codes specified for half-day foraging courses cannot be used for this course

Cancellation terms:
Cancellation more than 60 days before event - refund less 25% of total fee paid
Cancellation 30-59 days before event - refund less 50% of total fee paid
Cancellation 15-29 days before event - refund less 75% of total fee paid
Cancellation 14 days or fewer before event - no refund

*participants must attend on the day to receive your foraging basket, it cannot be posted to you. The foraging basket is a promotional item and has no monetary or discount alternative if you do not wish to receive it or you cancel your booking.