Introduction to fungi identification

About this course

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We are delighted to announce that we will be again running a full-day introduction for fungi/mushroom identification course this autumn. The course was a huge success last year and will take place in a limited number of counties in 2024. Rather than being a foraging course - edibility will not be a focus - this course focusses on identification, which is the single most important skill anybody considering foraging for edible mushrooms needs. On completion of the course, participants will also gain access to our online introduction to fungi identification course.

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At the end of last year's courses, participants were out in the woods identifying mushroom by themselves using the skills and equipment learned on the day.

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Courses will be led by Kerry Bowness.

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 books 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 course will involve a mixture of classroom and field work, and will include course literature, equipment and field guides. It will be focused on the use of macroscopic techniques - those that use the human eye as opposed to microscopic or lab analysis. Participants will also receive access to our line fungi identification course*.

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These sessions are ideal for those starting out into this fascinating subject, or for those who feel frustrated when trying to identify from guidebooks alone.