Guided Mushroom Walks led by Mycologist Tom Haddon

Fungi are the cornerstones of ecosystems across the world and mushrooms are the enigmatic and ephemeral fruits of these vitally important organisms. Whether they are exchanging nutrients with plants or breaking down dead material for the next generation, they are an essential partner to an estimated 90% of all plant species and are found on every continent on Earth.

Stanwick Lakes is home to many species of fungi, with many only found in specific grassland and woodland habitats. During this 2-hour walk, time will be spent learning which habitats may be home to which fungi and then these habitats will be explored to find and identify mushrooms. Some may be tiny, with dozens of mushrooms inhabiting a single leaf, like the leaf parachute mushroom, whilst other may be large bracket fungi that are almost as old as the trees they call home, like the artists bracket.

Hand lenses will be provided so the exquisite detail of the mushrooms found can be seen with plenty of opportunities for photographs. There will be time for questions and discussions around mycology and identification.

The walk will be led by Mycologist Tom Haddon who recently completed Stanwick Lakes’ first fungal survey which identified the presence of important waxcap species and a species vulnerable to extinction in Europe with the discovery of the Wrinkled Peach (Rhodutus palmatus).

Check out this BBC news article on Tom’s rare discovery at Stanwick Lakes – Rare wrinkled peach mushroom

Please wear appropriate footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather.