Identifying Woodland Fungi

Identifying Woodland Fungi

Wednesday 14 October - Boat of Garten Community Hall

Fungi are a major part of the biodiversity of the Cairngorms National Park with many rare and interesting species recorded in the Park. They underpin the health of every habitat within the Park and delight us in the autumn with their sudden profusion and diversity. If you are interested in finding out why they are so important and also in learning about the macro characteristics that help us to identify them, then this course is for you. Information will also be given about health and safety issues, habitat management and how fungi are currently recorded in the UK.

Programme

10.00 Coffee & Registration

1015-12:15 Indoor session covering:

Introduction to the Kingdom of the Fungi – how they function and utilise the woodland habitat

What to look for if you want to identify your fungus

Recording, conservation issues and health & safety

1215-1300 Lunch (bring own packed lunch, as lunch will be outdoors heading to the field)

1300-15.30 Fungi in the field

15.30 – 16.30 A closer look at what has been collected, taking spore prints and using simple keys and texts to get to genus

The course will be delivered by Liz Holden (an experienced mycologist). The course is aimed at people living or working in the National Park. There is a small charge of £10, which includes a set of notes to assist in identifying fungi. The afternoon session will involve an outdoor site visit, so please wear appropriate footwear and waterproofs – wellington boots are advised. If you have an old knife, an open trug or similar basket and hand lens please bring these along. A notebook, pencil and any fungal identification books that you like to use would also be useful. Places on the workshop are limited and advance booking is required.

To book, contact Andy or Sam, tel 01479 870535/537 or e-mail AndyRockall@Cairngorms.co.uk or sammasson@cairngorms.co.uk