Do You Know Your Fungi?

From the Forestry Commission:

Fungi Forage Events In October

Fungi fans of all ages are being invited to join expeditions through Dalby Forest, near Pickering, North Yorkshire to get to grips with mushrooms and toadstools.

The Forestry Commission has organised four fungi forages on Sunday 2 and 9 October led by local naturalist, Brian Walker, who has spent over 30 years in the woods as a forest ranger. Experts say trees are turning colour early due to the dry spring weather and fungi are also sprouting forth in good numbers.

Brian Walker said: “There are plenty of varieties about, helped by the more moist and warmer weather of recent weeks. Some giant puffballs have also been spotted – so big you would need a wheelbarrow to cart them home. There are hundreds of different kinds of fungi in Dalby, with species like the edible Cep a local speciality but plenty of other fungi are pretty nasty if eaten, so it’s really important to know what you are looking at.”

Walks take place at 10.30am and 2pm on both dates. The last session will cover easy going terrain, ideal for those who are less mobile. The cost is £6 per person and booking is required on 01751 472771, or at Dalby Forest Visitor Centre.