Fungi To Be With

Foraging Course

‘Fungi to be with’ was created during the mid nineties to facilitate a growing interest among the public, in wild mushrooms and toadstools.  Some 15 years on ‘fungi to be with’ has well and truly put the fun into fungi for thousands of people across the country and from abroad that have taken part in the FTBW forays and beginners workshops.

The forays work on many levels, not only a means by which to collect some edible fungi, they also provide a situation that allows those attending to meet like minded people, they are good for working fitness levels and for de-stressing.  I have even had people strike up relationships during the forays.  One couple I recall, returned some years later, married with children.  

The forays also help on a conservation level as those attending help record all of the species encountered during a particular foray.  Since 1997 a species list has been drawn up and passed on to the governing bodies of all the sites forayed.  This is invaluable information that in many cases would not be available.  Bio-diversity action plans can be implemented and with the help of such knowledge, species that look like they need some protection are afforded some attention. 

As well as all of the forays and beginners workshops seen below, FTBW are currently involved in carrying out Fungi Surveys of the Royal Parks, commissioned by none other than The Royal Parks.   In 2008 a survey of Richmond Park was completed, now in 2009 surveys of both Bushy Park and Kensington Gardens are in process.

Please check out the website to see seasonal reviews since 2002, watch TV appearances on programs such as Full On Food and read the press and journal articles. 

Autumn Forays and Workshops 2009

Saturday 3rd October: Foray - Hampstead Heath, London
Sunday 4th October: Foray - Wimbledon Common, London/Surrey (Fully Booked)
Saturday 10th October: Fungi Workshop for beginners - Hampstead Heath, London
Sunday 11th October: Foray - Epping Forest, London
Sunday 17th October - Foray - New Forest, Hampshire
Sunday 18th October: Foray - Wimbledon Common, London (12 attendees only)
Sunday 25th October: Foray - New Forest, Hampshire
Saturday 31st October: Beginners Fungi Workshop - Hampstead Heath, London
Sunday 1st November: Breakfast Foray - Hampstead Heath, London
Saturday 7th November: Foray - Hampstead Heath, London
Sunday 8th November: Foray - Epping Forest, London/Essex
Saturday 14th November: Beginners Fungi Workshop - Hampstead Heath, London
Saturday 15th November: Foray - Epping Forest, London/Essex

Contact me now for a booking form, via the site or call me on 0208 458 0652 or 07958 786 374 for details.

If you are on the mailing list you will receive a booking form in April for the spring/summer activities and in August for autumn, either by email or post.