About the event

Fungi are essential to life on Earth as primary degraders, and they have a fascinating biology. Kingcombe and Powerstock are among the best places in England to find fungi, with more than 500 recorded species—many of them rare, all of them beautiful. The rich variation in geology and plant life across Kingcombe Meadows nature reserve creates a wide range of habitats, allowing a remarkable diversity of species to thrive.

The day begins with a brief introduction to the fungal world, answering questions such as: What are mushrooms and toadstools? How do they fit into the natural world? And how on earth do you tell one from another? You will then head out on a guided walk, during which all fungi found will be discussed and, where possible, identified.

Due to the nature of this event, there will be some walking over rough and uneven ground, with pauses for discussion along the way.

Please note: This event supports our wider work surveying our reserves, many of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Private fungi foraging is not permitted on our reserves at any time.

John is not only an expert mycologist but also a highly experienced foraging specialist—covering mushrooms, hedgerows and seashores. He brings an infectious enthusiasm for the natural world. Over the past twenty-five years, he has led around seven hundred forays, many of them in the South West and particularly at Kingcombe, giving him a wealth of knowledge to share. John is one of the country’s leading authorities on foraging for food, regularly appearing on national television, including River Cottage. He also contributes to a range of national publications and has written several books in the River Cottage foraging series, as well as his best-selling title The Forager’s Calendar.