MYCOLOGIST NEWS
The newsletter of the British Mycological Society UK Fungus Day Special Edition 2016 (1)
Edited by Dr Ali Ashby
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From the Office
Hi All, Contents Welcome to the UK Fungus Day Special Edition of Mycologist News. Inside this issue are the event reports from around the UK. From The Office Pg. 3. As you’ll find, the third UK Fungus Day was a great success with over eighty fungus events Editorial Pgs. 4 - 5 taking place and a huge amount of effort and enthusiasm was put in to it by BMS members, our affiliated fungus groups and by members of the public. UKFD Event Reports Pgs.6 - 34
We sent out resources packs to most events as well as the Oyster mushroom spore kits, BMS Foray & Workshop and these were well received. Pgs. 35 - 36 Programme 2016
We’re working hard to make sure that UK Fungus Day 2016 is bigger and better, and it is taking place on 8th/9th October 2016.
I hope that we can rely once again on your UK Fungus Day 2015 Pg. 37 continued support in making it a memorable event.
Best wishes,
The BMS Office Team
Norman Porrett Administrator BMS Office
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Editorial
Thank you again to all of our regular supporters of UK Fungus Day and to all who joined us for the first time in 2015. UK Fungus Day continues to grow and is the flagship activity of the Society’s outreach calendar. There were over 60 events na- tionwide this year ranging from academic talks to fungal walks and activities for chil- dren. As last year, our UKFD events were placed on a google ‘events map’ with links to group websites and other information. We continue to have support from Ann Miler who yet again supplied oyster kits to event organisers which were given out to children and families. Thanks again Ann for your continued support!
Thank you also to everyone who completed feedback forms or wrote reports and sent us photos. We have compiled these together in this special edition of the BMS newsletter. We were very keen to increase academic participation in UK Fungus Day events this year, either through participation at organised events or by present- ing their latest fungal research in a publicly accessible manner. We are pleased that at least one Café Scientifique event was organised to coincide with UKFD, at least seven of our events involved engagement with academics and that we were able to publish four interesting ‘fungal themed’ blogs by academics, which appeared on both the Royal Society of Biology ‘Biology week’ blogs and also on the UK Fungus Day website
(http://www.ukfungusday.co.uk/join/higher-education-research-institutes/ ).
We also ran two competitions for primary and secondary school pupils and received a good response. Prize winners are now listed on the UK Fungus Day website and a number of the entries may be displayed soon on our education & outreach pages of the main BMS website.
The fully responsive BMS UK Fungus Day website was launched on 1st July and I hope that you agree that it provides a very professional interface from which to launch the BMS flagship outreach activity. We recorded over 3000 unique clicks on to our website on UK Fungus Day alone! We have also made tremendous progress with engagement of the wider audience through our social media platforms. We were incredibly fortunate to employ a graduate student, Megan Scully on a ten week internship with the remit to develop our PR, marketing and social media plat- forms. She has taken great strides forward and has developed our Facebook page, Instagram account and has increased our following on Twitter by 500. She has also helped with PR and marketing queries relating to UKFD15.
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Editorial
We were sorry to lose Joel Hacking at the end of October 2015. We thank him for his enthusiasm and wish him well in his ecology consultancy business. Applications were sought to replace Joel but in the new role of BMS social media & outreach of- ficer. Following interviews in December, I am pleased to welcome Megan to this role. Megan will be developing BMS social media platforms and will be coordinating outreach across all BMS disciplines. She will be your main point of contact for UKFD16 and will be delighted to hear from you.
Contact her at the following email address: [email protected]
Each year, through our outreach programmes, we strive to make new connections, further raising awareness of the fungal kingdom and the role fungi play in our world.
Thank you for helping us to put fungi on the map. Follow us on Twitter @ukfungusday, on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ukfd16/ and on Instagram https://instagram.com/ukfungusday/
Contact Megan @[email protected] or contact us via [email protected] If you plan to organise an event or give a Café Scientifique talk for UKFD16.
We value your committed support!
This year’s event will be held over the weekend of 8th - 9th of October 2016 with UK Fungus Day 2016 on Sunday 9th. Save the date!
Ali
Dr Ali Ashby BMS Education & Outreach (Chair)
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Fungal research and UK Fungus Day promoted at University of Aberdeen Dr Alex Brand
Open Doors Day at Aberdeen’s Institute of Medical Sciences
One Saturday in early September, the University of Aberdeen invited the public into the Institute of Medical Sciences as part of the annual Open Doors Day event. For the first time, the Aberdeen Fun- gal Group joined the exhibitors in the Institute of Medical Science, adjacent to Aberdeen’s Royal Infir- mary. One of the constraints in promoting medical mycology to the public at such events is that safe- ty regulations do not permit tours of the Containment Level 2 research laboratories. Neither do they allow the public to be in close proximity to the fungi that cause disease, even the commensal Can- dida species that are carried by 80 % of the human population. So for Open Doors Day, we focussed on fungal therapeutics – drugs we use against fungal disease and drugs produced by fungi that we use to combat other diseases. Our stand was called Myco-Medicines and visiting members of the public were fascinated to hear about the medicinal value of the bioactive compounds produced by fungi, many knowing about penicillin but not statins or immunosuppressants. We featured two fungi that are tropical insect pathogens – Isaria sinclairii and Mycelia sterilia – which produce a metabolite called Myriocin. Myriocin has undergone a medicinal chemistry programme to be licensed as the first oral treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. At Aberdeen, we are undertaking Phase II of the research into the Myriocin biosynthetic pathway in search of other potentially-useful bioactive compounds. Our visitors were full of questions about all aspects of fungal biology and disease. Some liked looking down the microscope at the delicate aerial hyphae produced by Mycelia sterilia, while others were taken aback by the range of infections fungi cause in humans, or the image of a fungus bursting out of its dead cicada prey. Everyone took away with them a British Mycological Society mini-magnifier and information about the up-coming UK Fungus Day events.
Figure legend: A team of (l to r): PhD student, Ben Rutter, Dr Donna MacCallum and Dr Alex Brand hosted the Myco-Medicines stand at the University of Aberdeen’s Institute of Medical Sciences Open Doors Day.
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Café Scientifique ‘Fungus: Friend or Foe’
In October, Professor Neil Gow and Dr Alex Brand from the Aberdeen Fungal Group entertained an audience of over 80 members of the public at the local branch of Waterstones Bookshop as part of the University of Aberdeen’s Café Scientifique programme. They introduced the audience to the double- life of fungi – describing how they are vital in saving millions of lives globally whilst also being responsi- ble for millions of deaths.
In an interactive and light-hearted discussion, Professor Gow and Dr Brand showed how vital fungi are in fighting disease but also how fungi feature in some surprising places in our daily lives. Using a hands-on approach they delved into shopping baskets to show how everyday products such as soy sauce, bread and even cheese and onion crisps are made using fungi. As the biggest fungal research group in the UK, the team in Aberdeen are focussed on increasing our understanding of fungal infec- tions, how fungi spread in the body and how they are ‘seen’ by our immune system. This knowledge will aid the development of vaccines, diagnostics and new drug interventions.
Professor Gow said: “Everyone uses fungal products everyday of their lives, but fungi also represent a massive threat to global food supplies and human health. Most people are aware of how fungi are used to help develop antibiotics and are important in making some types of food and drink, like bread and beer. However, what is surprising to many is that more people die of fungal infections than malaria or breast cancer. “
Dr Brand added: “Fungi have a major impact on plant life too. In the soil, they act like an extended root system, delivering nutrients and minerals to help plants grow, but the story is not always a positive one. Airborne fungal spores attack plant leaves and stems so that one third of crops produced globally are lost to fungal diseases. This will have to change if we want to avoid a food-shortages and malnutrition as the world’s population increases.
The popular Café Scientifique series invites leading experts to share the latest in scientific research with the public in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with plenty of time for questions. The aim at this event was for visitors to experience an enjoyable evening and take away with them a new awareness of the role that fungi play in human health and disease.
Professor Neil Gow and Dr Alex Brand lead a discussion into the double life of fungi at Café Scientifique, enlisting the help of younger members of the audience to illustrate the surprising connections between fungi and humans.
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Host and Pathogen Interaction (HAPI) group University of Birmingham
‘Introduction to Fungi ’
Birmingham's ThinkTank Science museum
On the 10th October the Host and Pathogen Interaction (HAPI) group from the University of Birmingham held an introduction to fungi at Birmingham's ThinkTank Science museum to raise public awareness of fungal research as part of UK Fungus Day. The event entitled "Life Under a Lens" was comprised of a series of interactive activities for all age groups to increase general interest in fungi.
Just some of the volunteers from the HAPI group at the University of Birmingham that helped out at the UK Fungus day event held at Birmingham’s ThinkTank Science
Children designed their own fungi and took part in fungal themed micrographia for the chance to win plush fungi, a competition kindly sponsored by GI- ANTMicrobes, whilst brave individuals analysed swabs from their scalp for the presence of Malas- sezia. For the computer literate, fungal characteris- tics were introduced through the Plant vs Zombies computer game, where individuals had to use the powers of fungi (e.g. mind control) to survive a zombie attack. This game was linked to actual fun- gal scientific facts, with people being amazed by the Cordyceps group of fungi controlling the minds An example selection of the fungi children of insects to promote the spread of spores within made in the competition to win giant plush the insect population, a story many linked to the fungi. Sony game "The Last of Us".
Although the event was largely focused on microscopic pathogenic fungi, a collection of fruiting bodies was also on display along with an identification book. Many enjoyed looking through the book to identify fungi they commonly observe in their garden and compost heaps. Generally, most people were surprised by the size of the fungal Kingdom. Throughout the day 281 people got actively involved in fungal themed activities and all took away a fungal spore kit to grow their own oyster mushrooms at home, continuing the fungal themed fun beyond UK Fungus Day.
Prof. Robin May providing expert microscopy ad- vice to individuals analyzing their scalp swabs for fungi.
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Borders Forest Trust Event
Borders Forest Trust a charity established in 1996 to help restore native woodland to Southern Scot- land, joined in the Fungi celebration, with a foray at Carrifran Wildwood on the Saturday and a fungi exhibition in Moffat Town Hall on the Sunday.
The foray at Carrifran was led by the Clyde and Argyll Fungus group and joined by members of the public as well as the Borders Forest Trust and National Trust for Scotland ‘Junior Ranger’ group.
‘The area is of particular interest in that it is a re- cently planted woodland. In the 1990s the area was rough hill-pasture grazed by sheep but sub- sequently the sheep were removed and the area planted with 1000’s of trees of local origin. Fungi have been recorded in all the stages of the wood- land development from the start and Saturday was an opportunity to collect fungi in what is now a fairly substantial woodland. Fungus-wise apart from the expected willow, hazel and birch inhabit- ants, a clutch of Pink-gills (Entoloma politum, E. rhodopolium and E. sericatum) and a good fruit- ing of Lactarius aspideus, it was instructive to find Marasmius setosus growing on hazel leaves; a less frequent host it usually being beech. There was a good haul of small mycenoid and marasmi- oid fungi. A full list can be supplied to anyone interested’
The following day, over 70 people of all ages came along to the fungi exhibition in Moffat. There was a fungi display, examples of wool died with fungi and various artifacts such as the ‘Fomes Hat’ to learn about and enjoy. Linking the exhibition with the Farmer’s Market probably helped in being able to spread the ‘word’, for the general public were able to quench their curiosi- ty with a look/see but all seemed to depart with added knowledge on fungi. The children who came along were able to take part in a fungi competition with the prize of a mushroom grow- ing kit for the winners. A wonderful weekend. Roy Watling and Ali Murfitt
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Buckinghamshire Fungus Group
National Fungus Day Display and Foray – October 10th and 11th 2015 Penny Cullington
Display at Bucks County Museum, Aylesbury
For National Fungus Day this year our group put on a display of fresh fungi for members of the public on the Saturday, returning to our old stamping ground in Aylesbury after a lapse of several years when we’ve tried out other venues. The recent rain meant that there was a profusion of fungi for collecting in the local woods, and we arrived laden with specimens at 9.30 ready for the mad rush to get everything set out and named in time for an 11.00 kick-off. As well as the central table with collections of over 100 different species there were display boards adorned with posters and photos, a table for children to colour and make badges, Derek set up his microscope with monitor screen and laid out a selection of books and information, and our much admired large screen with over 200 named fungi photos changing every 10 seconds greeted visitors as they entered. The BMS banners together with leaflets, more handouts and packets of mushroom spawn to give away completed the picture, and we were rewarded by much enthusiasm and appreciation for our efforts by all who came. The only disappointment was that visitor numbers rather dwindled by the afternoon possibly due to competition from a heavily policed demonstration taking place elsewhere in Aylesbury. Come 4.00 the big clear-up started, and with the valiant efforts of the few brave BFG members still on hand we had the whole room cleared in half an hour – quite a feat.
My thanks to all those who went out collecting, who helped us set up and then stayed to chat to the public, and especially to Claudi and Roger who stuck it to the bitter end – without them Derek and I would have been a good deal more exhausted by the end. We were well pleased with the end result though did have some regrets that not more people had come to enjoy it.
The little lad on the left in his Fly agaric leggings kept us all entertained and stayed for well over a hour – a mycologist in the making? (PC)
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports UK Fungus Day Cambridge The British Mycological Society ran a UK Fungus Day ‘fun with fungi’ event at the University of Cam- bridge Botanic Garden on Sunday 11th October 2015. Both Ali Ashby & Kay Yeoman from BMS FEO were in attendance. They were joined by two BMS affiliated local recording groups (South Cambs & Huntingdon) and by academics from the National Institute for Agricultural Botany (NIAB). Fresh specimens for the BMS display were also collected by members of the Cambridge Natural History Society.
The display of fungal plant pathogens by NIAB Mushroom detectives on the BMS display
We had almost 1300 people visiting the Gardens on UK Fungus day and a good number of them visited our activities in the schools garden and our display in the gar- den room, thanks to our wonderful Amanita friends who guided people to us - and our fun mushroom trail that led from the garden entrance to our activity space.
Over 80 spotty balloons were blown up, thanks to Andy, each one accompanied by an explanation of the life cycle of Amanita muscaria, the fly agaric – and how it got its spots. How the mushroom got its spots activity
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
We gave away 100 oyster mushroom kits and over 100 goodie bags with BMS leaflets, bookmarks and magnifiers. Children had lots of fun making fungus fruit bodies, not all of them basidiomycetes! – and thanks to Vicky, many children learned much about the different types of fruit body that fungi pro- duce and that the fruit bodies are just the tip of the iceberg!
Fungus finds on the fungus walk through the gardens Making fungus fruit body models
Some of the fungus fruit body models were added to our display
We had lots of fun with a ‘find the fungus treasure hunt and decoder quiz’ which involved finding ten BMS models of fun- gus fruit bodies in the schools garden, matching a spore pat- tern with the letter corresponding to the fruit body clue and then decoding the secret message that revealed two products that are made thanks to fungi! The prizes for the correct an- swers of ‘Bread & Chocolate’ were ‘bread sticks & Chocolate bars’. We hid five special amanita mushrooms with stars on the back, around the main gardens and lucky discoverers were rewarded with an Usborne spotters guide to fungi.
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
In the Garden room we had a wonderful display of fresh specimens collected from the local area, all identified and labelled for our audience to see. Our BMS main display focussed on ‘thank fungus for that’, ‘mushroom detectives’ ‘fungi and their role in the environment’ and ‘fungi as plant pathogens’. We demonstrated the new BMS A level practical on Koch’s postulates using the brown rot fungus Monilinia fructigena.
Some of the fresh specimens on display, collected by our local recording groups and by Cambridge Natural History Society.
BMS resources and information table
Academics from NIAB had a very informative
demonstration of lifestyle diseases such as ergot
and bunt; as well as the more sophisticated rust fungi that can only grow on their host, so have evolved “precision invasion” techniques, which can change depending on host resistance; and then general diseases such as Fusarium which survives anywhere, but contaminates wheat grains in the field. Children had fun guessing the number of contaminants in a petri dish of wheat seed (ergot, bunt balls, a stone or two!) and the number of rust spores in an ampoule. There was a demonstration of the difference between yellow rust and brown rust and a couple of trays of wheat seedlings with yellow rust as a simple il- lustration of “gene for gene” – where the general public had to write down the “virulence” of each rust strain. The general public were fascinated!
Working out ‘gene for gene’ interactions with rust fungi
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
The BMS also had an activities table for children with colouring masks and badges and making plant pot fungi.
Making masks, badges and plant pot fungi on the BMS activity table We had excellent feedback from the general public
‘Several people said thank you and how much they appreci- ated the activities One lady who was a retired teacher said that she was very impressed and that she was not eas- ily impressed! Two families with 5 young children said a big thank you for a fantastic day. They had loved all the activities the play dough fungi; the how the fungus got its spots balloons and the code breaker treasure hunt - all of it’ ‘Several people were amazed at the number of things that fungi do for us, particularly that fungi play a role in flavouring chocolate! One gentleman was pleased to learn more about crop plants and how fungi play a role in influ- encing crop yields’
Thank you to the BMS helpers who worked tirelessly on the day to bring fun and interest to the event, namely ‘Kay, Andy, Gillian, Katy, Vicky, Jenna, Beth, Megan & Karl’. Thanks also to the re- cording group members, ‘Lucy, Helene, Peter & Jenny’, and to academics from NIAB; ‘Jane, Denise & Sandra’ and to Jonathan & the CNHS. Special thanks to Cambridge University Botanic Garden for hosting the event for us. It would not have been possible without you all!
Dr Ali Ashby Chair, BMS Fungal Education & Outreach October 2015
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Cornwall Fungus Recording Group UK Fungus Day 2015
I just thought I would update you on our day at Lanhydrock in Cornwall on Sunday 11th October.
We had a very nice space to mount our display of fungi and project slides from various forays. We ran two forays in the estate woodland sadly both fungi and people were in reduced amounts despite a local radio broadcast. However those attending enjoyed and there were enough species to maintain interest. The large felled trunks in the parkland were particularly good.
The children and families who came enjoyed discovering how the 'how the mushroom got it's spots' though rather more water was sprayed on each other than on the balloons! Badge making was very popular and we saw some very imaginative designs. Everyone appreciated the leaflets, especially the pocket guides and the spore kits were snapped up. A primary school teacher will be making contact with the office to source educational materials, hopefully she will spread the word to colleagues and we will see fungi included in the primary curriculum in this area.
Looking to next year we are thinking of having a marquee for our display and activities close to the cafe area at this venue which may attract more visitors, as although our space this year was very nice it was off the main visitor trail. We will do more advertising too , possibly informing local schools , articles in the local newspaper too.
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UK Fungus Day Event Report
Fungal Foray at Cromwell Bottom
Cromwell Bottom Local Nature Reserve, Brighouse, West Yorkshire
The event took the form of a slow paced walk around Cromwell Bottom searching for fungi with support from Halifax Scientific Society who were on hand to assist with ID of finds.
The list of fungi found at Cromwell Bottom on the foray is as follows:
Woolly Milk Cap Lactarius Torminosus
Poisonpie Hebeloma crustuliniforme Webcap Cortinarious spp.
Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria
Sulphur tufts Hypholoma fasciculare
Cinnamon web cap Cortinarius cinnamomeus
Brown Roll Rim Paxillus involutus
Lilac Bonnet Mycena Pura
Clouded agaric Clitocybe nebularis
Tough Shank Collybia fusipes
Elfin saddles Helvella lacunose Blackfoot polypore Polyporus leptocephalus
Willow tar spot Rhytisma salicinum
Candle snuff xylaria hypoxylon
Green elf cup Chorociboria aeruginascens
Birch woodwart Hypoxylon multiforme Birch Polypore Piptoporus betulinus Brown Birch bolete Leccinum scabrum Blushing bracket Daedaleopsis confragosa Bluing bracket Postia caesia Oysterling Crepidotus Maze Gill Daedalea quercina
???????? Hyphomycetes spp ???????? Clitocybe
???????? Mycena spp Bolete mold
The event was promoted on the UK Fungus Day site, on the Calderdale MBC website, through Facebook and Twitter and promoted through our guided walks and events programme leaflet. We handed out the BMS supplied id guides to participants and also gave participants the fungal spores to take home to grow. Looking at the event afterwards, we were all very happy with how it worked. It would however be good if next year’s date could be circulated early in the New Year though to help with planning. Robin Dalton 16
UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Dunwich Heath(National Trust) and RSPB Minsmere UK Fungus Day 2015
I organised 2 UK fungus days in Suffolk this year - first at Dunwich Heath (National Trust) in conjunc- tion with their annual fungus foray on October 11th and another at RSPB Minsmere the following week on Oct 17th. Good numbers turned up at Dunwich with members of the public dropping into the 'Barn' all day to see what was going on and to join the foray .
Inside the 'Barn' at Dunwich and sorting out the finds onto the table.
Jenni Rant working with the SAW Trust kindly came down from the John Innes Centre at Norwich with her teenage daughter to help me out at Minsmere looking after the children and keeping them enter- tained with the now traditional "How did the fungus get its spots''
I took care of the adults and tried to identify some of the fungi that were brought to me..
Both RSPB Minsmere and Dunwich NT are the two places in Suffolk where the rare Red Belted Pol- ypore (Fomitopsis pinicola) occur (on Betula) but a nice surprise was discovering a new specimen right outside the door of the Discovery Centre this time growing on a stack of Pine Wood.
Two forays were arranged, this is the group I took round for the morning session photographed against the backdrop of the RSPB's exciting 'Discovery Centre'. Minsmere has a very extensive fungi list with quite a large amount of records from the late Pam & Martin Ellis when they retired to live at Southwold, just a few miles up the coast from Minsmere. At RSPB Snape Warren, about 10 miles away, the ex- tremely rare Poronia erici was discovered a few years ago growing on Pony dung and there is no reason why it should not occur at Minsmere too, so I hope to make this my task for next year. Neil Mahler. County Fungus Recorder, Suffolk. 17
Fungi recorded at Dunwich Heath Recorder: Rob Dryden Date: 11.10.15 Grid reference: TM 473 683 (Centre of site) Ascomycetes Scientific name Common name Hypoxylon multiforme Birch Woodwart Xylaria hypoxylon Candlesnuff Fungus Basidiomycetes Scientific name Common name Amanita fulva Tawny Grisette Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric Amanita rubescens The Blusher Bjerkandera adusta Smoky Bracket Boletus badius Bay Bolete Boletus edulis Cep Clitocybe flaccida Tawny Funnel Cap Clitocybe nebularis Clouded Funnel Clitocybe odora Aniseed Funnel Collybia butyracea Butter Cap Collybia maculata Spotted Toughshank Hirschioporus abietinus Hygrocybe pratensis Meadow Waxcap Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca Hypholoma fasciculare Sulphur Tuft Laccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria laccata The Deceiver Lactarius quietus Oakbug Milkcap Lactarius rufus Rufous Milkcap Lactarius turpis Ugly Milkcap Lactarius vietus Grey Milkcap Leccinum scabrum Brown Birch Bolete Lepiota procera Parasol Mushroom Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball Lycoperdon pyriforme Stump Puffball Mycena epipterygia Yellowleg Bonnet Mycena galericulata Common Bonnet Mycena pura Lilac Bonnet Paxillus involutus Brown Roll-rim Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Pluteus cervinus Deer Shield Rhytisma acerinum Sycamore Tarspot Russula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill Scleroderma citrinum Common Earth-ball Trametes versicolor Turkeytail 18
Fungi recorded at Dunwich Heath Recorder: Rob Dryden Date: 25.10.15 Grid reference: TM 473 678 (Centre of site
Ascomycetes Scientific name Common name Hypoxylon multiforme Birch Woodwart Xylaria hypoxylon Candlesnuff Fungus
Basidiomycetes Scientific name Common name Amanita fulva Tawny Grisette Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric Auricularia auricula-judae Jelly Ear Boletus badius Bay Bolete Clitocybe flaccida Tawny Funnel Cap Clitocybe nebularis Clouded Funnel Collybia butyracea Butter Cap Coltricia perennis Tiger’s Eye Crepidotus variabilis Variable Oysterling Daedaleopsis confragosa Blushing Bracket Geastrum triplex Collared Earthstar Hirschioporus abietinus - Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca False Chanterelle Hypholoma fasciculare Sulphur Tuft Laccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria laccata The Deceiver Lactarius quietus Oakbug Milkcap Lactarius rufus Rufous Milkcap Lactarius turpis Ugly Milkcap Lactarius vietus Grey Milkcap Leccinum scabrum Brown Birch Bolete Leccinum versipelle Orange Birch Bolete Lycoperdon pyriforme Stump Puffball Marasmius androsaceus Horsehair Parachute Merulius tremellosus - Mycena epipterygia Yellowleg Bonnet Mycena galericulata Common Bonnet Mycena pura Lilac Bonnet Paxillus involutus Brown Roll-rim Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Pluteus cervinus Deer Shield Russula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill Scleroderma citrinum Common Earth-ball Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Tricholoma fulvum Birch Knight 19
UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Joint FSO Fungal Foray with Ashmolean Nat. Hist. Soc. University Arboretum at Nuneham Courtney, Oxon
Members of the Ashmolean Nat. Hist. Soc. and FSO and their families met at the University Arbore- tum for an afternoon Foray. Members of the public expressed a lot of interest in the three displays set up with information about fungi generally plus fresh fruiting bodies and grow your own mushroom kits. The latter were very popular. About 40 people including a number of keen young Children joined the foray. Judy Webb did an excellent job in identifying the fungi that we found and explaining their relationship to trees and importance in recycling nutrients. Forty seven species were recorded.
Highlights of the event were huge specimens of Macrolepiota procera, the Parasol fungus , on wood chippings under Sycamore, the Yellow brain fungus, Tramella mesenterica, on a dead log and Lyco- gala epidendrum the Pink Bubble gum myxomycete on a dead log.
The event promoted by listing on the FSO web site, an email was sent to members of Dept of Plant Sciences in the University and the Ashmolean Nat.Hist. Soc. alerted all their members
Leaflets supplied by BMS were displayed and given to anyone visiting the Arboretum plus mushroom growing kits were handed out to those who expressed an interest. Molly Dewey & Judy Webb
Members of Fungal Survey of Oxfordshire and Ashmolean Natural history Society gather together before start of Fungal Foray at University Arboretum at Nuneham Courtney 11th of October 2015
Ideas for the 2016 UKFD event Announcements ahead of time to Environmental groups and notices to Oxford Brookes University. And take more photographs to document events.
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Glamorgan Fungus Group Report UK Fungus Day 2015
Glamorgan Fungus Group held a special event on Sunday the 11th October to celebrate UK Fungus Day in collaboration with the UK Fungus Day Team at the British Mycological Society and the Wild- life Trust of South & West Wales staff at Parc Slip Nature Reserve. Group Members organised a fun- gus specimen display to introduce eager members of the public to the wonderful variety of our native fungi that can be found in across the countryside at this time of year. Adults and children alike mar- velled at the spread of specimens that included the ever popular Fly Agaric, Scarlet Caterpillar Club and a wide selection of colourful waxcaps.
Mike Bright of Glamorgan Fungus Group led two special guided walks around the reserve explaining the importance of fungi to our ecosystems and highlighting the ways that we benefit from their un- seen actions. Over 70 members of the public were shown a wide variety of our commoner fungi and were treated to some close up views of some rare specimens in their natural environment including the boletes Suillus tridentinus and Suillus cavipes (Hollow Bolete - at its only Welsh Site). The long line of smiling fungi fans stretched through the reserves pathways like a strange woodland conga!
All Photos © Fay Cosgrove unless otherwise indicated
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
(Glamorgan Report continued)
S cavipes © Mike Bright
Spathularia flavida © Mike Bright
The walk ended with the opportunity for people to see the special Red Data List Spathularia flavida (Yellow Fan) which saw a queue of eager wildlife photographers lining up to grab a picture.
Thanks to the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales and the British Mycological Society whose help, assistance and support made the event possible
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Grampian Fungus Group Report th Aberdeenshire - 4 October We held our Grampian Fungus Group, National Fungus day event a week early as Liz Holden & I were both away on the date itself at Kindrogan Field Studies Centre on the fungus course Liz was running - report below.
Grampian Fungus Group celebrated National Fungus Day on Sunday 4th October at The National Trust for Scotland's Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire. In the morning we had a drop in fungal identifi- cation "surgery" run by Liz Holden while I did crafts for children. We were very lucky in having a visit from a keen fungal hunter at the start of the day who bought some magnificent specimens to add to our display including some huge Gymnopilus spectablis.
Agaricus augustus
Cordyceps militaris
Deeside Knitwits kindly lent us their amazing knitted mush- rooms to display as well and the crafts went down well with the families making mushroom people all a bit painty and messy - perfect!
Mycena pelianthina
In the afternoon we had an adult foray with Liz and a family / children's foray with me each with about 20 people attending The adult walk found some interesting fungi including Mycena pelianthina, with very dark gill edges and a smell of radish, and the Scarlet caterpillar club, Cordyceps militaris. The children not to be outdone found the biggest fungus with a lovely big Prince, Agaricus augustus, which turned quite yellow after much stroking by the children! 23
UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Herefordshire Fungus Survey Group Event at Queenswood Arboretum, Dinmore Hill (Sat., Oct. 10th)
As in the previous two years, we held our event at Queenswood Arboretum, in conjunction with Herefordshire Council - although this year the site itself was in the process of transferring to a partnership of the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and Herefordshire New Leaf. The Day was from 10.00 am - 3.30 pm and included:
A 'rolling programme' of 'fungus walks' throughout the day A display of named fungi 'Name that Fungus' competition Powerpoint presentations Display boards with around 70 photographs, etc.
We encouraged members of the public to bring in their own specimens of fungi for identification. The Group owns a 20 x 10 ft gazebo and our intrepid band of helpers were hard-pushed to get it erected, the display specimens laid out and labelled, Powerpoint projectors functioning and so on, before the start time of 10.00 am. However, we did so (just!) and had a steady stream of interested 'customers' throughout the day.
Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum is a popular place for locals (and not-so-locals) to visit at weekends, as well as for regular dog-walkers. Our aim was to attract some of these visitors to have a look at what we were doing and so to think about fungi and their vital role in the environment. In addition to the numerous specimens gathered elsewhere for the display, a good range and number of species from the site were generated during the walks led by members of the Group. First time forayers were amazed by at the sheer number and diversity of fungi found, and this on a day when local conditions were poor following weeks of long dry sunny weather. Mycorrhizal fungi in- cluded Russulas, Amanitas and Cortinarius among which the green R. cyanoxantha (var./f. peltereaui) and dusky purple-red C. sanguineus were notable finds at Queenswood. Agarics that were new to the site included Echinoderma asperum with its dramatic head scarf of pointed scales and the sombre and highly mealy Tephrocybe rancida. Hedgehog and club fungi were seen, the lat- ter colonised by the previously unrecorded Helminthosphaeria clavariarum. Another ‘double’ was Asterophora parasitica, hitching a ride on an old Russula nigricans. Jelly fungi were represented by Sebacina incrustans crawling over some woody debris. The massed horns or funnels of Craterellus cinereus and Pseudocra- terellus sinuosus, both new site records, added yet more diversity of shape. Whilst UK Fungus Day is certainly quite hard work to put on, we all felt that our event had made, at least a small difference, in increasing general awareness of fungi. 24
UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust (HWT)
© Doug Lloyd - Herefordshrire Wildlife Trust
'Run in collaboration with UK Fungus Day, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust (HWT) again put on a fungus walk at Lea & Pagets Wood, one of their top reserves famous for its wealth of fungi. Sheila Spence, Trustee and keen field mycologist lead a full party of both members and non-members of the HWT through the woods stopping to look for and explain about the wealth of fungi to be found there. A good many different types of fungi were indeed found and examined with lots to feel and smell as well as just wonder at.' Sheila Spence
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports Leicestershire Fungi Study Group - National Fungus Day 2015 Author: Richard Iliffe (LFSG)
Following the success of our 2013 and 2014 events the Leicestershire Group presented another ex- hibition of fungi at the Leicester University Botanic Gardens. The managers of the gardens had of- fered us space in the foyer of The Knoll, which is one of the larger permanent buildings on the site, and here we set out a table display of fresh specimens. These were supplemented by other fungi col- lected during a morning foray in the gardens led by Tom Hering. The fungi were identified and named, using pre-prepared laminated labels, which were a great improvement on the paper labels used last year. We had two sets of photo display boards presenting beautiful images by Peter Sykes, and we had other tables carrying BMS literature and hand-outs, including the very popular packs of ‘grow your own’ oyster mushrooms, and we also provided copies of popular field guides for visitors to use.
All Photos © Peter Sykes
Ivan Pedley mounted a display of fresh lichens which he had collected a few days earlier in Cornwall, together with locally collected specimens which are becoming easier to find now that we have much improved local air quality. Ivan had dried samples of lichens which are funda- mental to the perfume industry and which retained a scent after years of storage, and he also presented many familiar lichen-derived prod- ucts. We opened the doors to the general public from 10.30am until 4.00pm and we had a constant flow of visitors throughout that period. It was difficult to count numbers as some stayed for up to half an hour, where- as others passed through only briefly. One lady spent the morning with us, went home to lunch and then came back for the afternoon to make further notes and to compare our specimens with her reference books. Overall we believe we had in excess of 150 adult visitors and maybe 50 young people, ranging from babes-in-arms to teen-agers. Great inter- est was shown in the display of fungi and with up to eight Group mem- bers acting as hosts we were kept busy talking through much of the day.
As a bonus, the morning foray added two new records to our county list, Psathyrella longicauda and a provisionally identified Cortinarius largus. The total number of species recorded at the Botanic Gardens is becoming ever closer to the magic 500 which, when achieved, will qualify the gardens for SSSI status on account of its fungi, in addition to its many other attractions.
We hope to repeat the event in 2016. Improvements will include a wider selection of laminated name labels and more copies of field guides for visitors to use - those provided were in regular use throughout the day. 26
UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Malvern Hills- Hollybed Common UK Fungus Day 2015
We had a couple of hours looking for fungi with Sheila Spence and 17 members of the public. It was a really successful event and we found a great display of grassland fungi (and everyone seemed to really enjoy it too!).
Below is a copy of the species found list. It should be noted that we are still in the process of checking with Worcestershire BRC to see if there are any other records of the White coral Ramari- opsis subtilis. We think it’s a first for Worcestershire but we are double checking to be sure, so hold your horses on that one.
We always look forward to our fungi event as they are one of the most popular in our annual events programme!
Hollybed Common Fungi list 24/10/2015 Agaricus campestris Field Mushroom Bisporella citrina Lemon Disco Bolbitius vitellinis Yellow Fieldcap Bovista plumbea Grey Puffball Calocybe carnea Pink Domecap Clavaria fragilis White Spindles Clavulina corniculata Meadow Coral Clavulinopsis helvola Yellow Club Entoloma conferendum Star Pinkgill Entoloma incanum Mousepee Pinkgill Hygrocybe ceracea Butter Waxcap Hygrocybe coccinea Scarlet Waxcap Hygrocybe conica Blackening Waxcap Hygrocybe insipida Spangle Waxcap Hygrocybe persistens Persistent Waxcap Hygrocybe pratensis Meadow Waxcap Hygrocybe psittacina Parrot Waxcap Hygrocybe quieta Oily Waxcap Hygrocybe splendidissima Splendid Waxcap Hygrocybe virginea Snowy Waxcap Hygrocybe virginea var ochraceopallida Snowy Waxcap (var) Lycoperdon lividum Grassland Puffball Ramariopsis subtilis ** White Coral Rickenella fibula Orange Mosscap Rickenella swartzii Collared Mosscap Vascellum pratense Meadow Puffball ** Not recorded before in Worcestershire!
NB Ramariopsis subtilis is a new name and will not be found in many books and classed as RARE. It has been renamed from Clavulinopsis subtilis. There were also several Mycena species and a few Panaeolus species but not identifiable in the field. Sheila Spence 27
UK Fungus Day Event Reports
National Botanic Garden of Wales 11 October 2015 Attended by 450 Garden visitors, the day included – Guided walks and talks of fungi in meadows, flower beds, lawns and woods by some of Wales’ leading mycologists Pat O’Reilly, David Mitchel and Ray Woods A wild mushroom cook up by Wales TV chef Gareth Davies Display of Roy Watling’s mycological library that has recently been donated to the Garden Display of fungi-inspired paintings and stitchworks A fungi fruiting body identification table with over 30 named species Fungi drawing workshops with artist Louise Burston ‘Introduction to Lichens’ workshops run by OPAL Lots of family activities linked to fungi and fairy rings Fungi-themed woodturning and feltmaking demonstrations A child-focussed fungi trail around the Garden including a fungi-rich wood decorated with fairy doors and a fairy model village Stalls selling fairy and fungi ephemera Fairy face painting
Highlights of the Day The fungi identification table was populated with a rich variety of woodland fungi collected the day before and displayed on paper plates onto which names were written. This was laid out at the start of the day and was a hugely popular draw. We covered a malodorous stinkhorn with a clear plastic cover and dared visitors to have a sniff – this was particularly popular with young boys.
The Roy Watling fungi library appealed to wide range of visitors. We included books with beautifully illustrated plates, books from around the world written in different languages (Japanese, Malaysian, Central American), medicinal fungi books and books that dealt with psychoactive fungi – each cate- gory type elicited pro-active responses.
We offered free admission to anyone dressed as a fairy or elf. Lots of children, overwhelmingly female, came dressed as fairies and they enthusiastically took part in our fungi and fairy trail, family activities and many came on the walks. Most would not have come to a straight Fungus Day but I hope many found All Photographs © the fungi side more interesting than they would have first thought. This is a Carl Stringer great way to get young girls interested but we need to think more about how to engage with young boys. 28
UK Fungus Day Event Reports
North West Fungus Group events
“UK Fungus Day took place on Sunday 11th October and was once again supported by NWFG, with six public-facing events taking place that weekend. However, NWFG’s involvement in public outreach activity ex- tended beyond our participation in UK Fungus Day.
This autumn 18 NWFG members led or assisted at over 20 pub- lic outreach events spread across the region from mid- September to mid-November. There was a good mix of walks, training workshops, displays and also a family day. Attendance was for the most part good, and for the various walks so was the weather and the numbers of fungi found. Feedback from attendees was very positive with comments received such as: “I didn’t know there was so much to know about fungi”. At another event a lady said that the foray was a dream come true. She had wanted to go on a foray for over 15 years Manchester museum thanked us for “for bringing such en- lightening and enjoyable activities to the Museum during Manchester Science Festival and half-term”. One event apparently ended with a round of applause.
BMS were very helpful, providing the usual free leaflets and give-away oyster mushroom kits for event leaders. Resources were also available to download from the BMS and Fungi4schools websites.
For the museum event we were able to borrow the BMS resin mushroom models, two of the large exhibition screens and the small binocular microscopes. Norman Porrett of BMS was extremely helpful, managing the deliv- ery and removal of the various items.
I don’t know whether we will have attracted any new members through the various outreach activities, but I certainly believe that one of NWFG’s stated charitable objectives was met: “To educate the general public in the importance of fungi as components of the ecosys- tem by holding talks and exhibitions and to train inter- ested members of the public in the identification of fungi by holding workshops and forays which are open to all.”
Looking forward to 2016, UK Fungus Day will take place on 9th October. I expect that NWFG members will again be involved in several UKFD events, and also in a variety of other outreach events occurring across the North West throughout the autumn season. My hope is that in 2016 even more NWFG members will be persuaded to join in. It’s fun and very rewarding. For now though I’d like to say a big thank you to those of you who led, assisted at, or helped in any other way with the 2015 events.“
Jeanette Maddy (NWFG) 29
UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Pembrokeshire Fungus Recording Network Poppit Sands & Welsh Wildlife Centre events
This year the Pembrokeshire Fungus Recording Network held two events to mark UKFD. Both were held on Saturday the 10th October to avoid a clash with a Sunday event at the National Botanic Garden of Wales organised by our neighbours in Carmarthenshire.
The morning event, a sand dune excursion at Poppit Sands in north Pembrokeshire, was organised in conjunction with the Darwin Centre and led by David Harries. In spite of a rather dry period leading up to the weekend, the event was well supported and an enthusiastic group soon started finding interesting species. The highlight for many was the discovery of a fine collection of Phallus hadriani - a striking stink- horn which emerges from purple eggs nestling amongst marram grass in the dunes.
Forayers let loose on the dunes
After a brief interval for lunch, several members of the party moved on to the Welsh Wildlife Centre at Cilgerran to par- ticipate in an afternoon event organised in conjunction with the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. This was led by by Adam Pollard who guided the group along a woodland walk overlooking the Teifi waterway. In addition to a wide range of woodland species, the group was treated to a fine display of Hygrocybe reidii alongside the track. Phallus hadriani (dune stinkhorn)
Foray group receiving safety briefing Hygrocybe reidii (honey waxcap)
Particular thanks are due to Sam Williams (Darwin Centre) and Nia Stephens (WTSWW) for their help in organising the events. The BMS/UKFD handouts were well received, with sufficient available to hand on to the partners for display/distribution within their respective organisations.
David Harries
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Plantlife Fungi drop-in days at Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh (RBGE) 10th – 11th October 2015 Jill Williams & Polly Phillpot
We had a great Fungi Weekend last weekend – this is the latest of a number of drop-in events we have run at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh over the last few years, and this year’s was the biggest and best yet.
Alongside 2 Plantlife staff there were a team of volunteers, manning the Plantlife publications stand and supervising kids activities and volunteers from the British Mycological Society and staff from RBGE set up a great display of fungi specimens, microscopes and other information. We also had two fungal forays round the grounds of the Botanics on each day. The childrens’ activities were a fungi drawing competition with prizes (see photos below), and for the wee ones there was the oppor- tunity to make plasticine fungi models which was a great hit.
330 people visited the drop-in over the two days (including approx 130 children) and we sent out various tweets over the course of the weekend. The event was advertised through both the Plantlife and RBGE communication channels; event booklets, website, twitter etc. And the Edinburgh Even- ing News came along and took some photos. If children took part in the drawing competition they would get a BMS bookmark and sticker and par- ticularly interested people were given the mushroom growing packs. The BMS leaflets were on show for people to freely take.
And people did ask us questions other than “Can I eat this”!!
Here are some of their other comments:
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Plantlife Fungi drop-in days at RBGE (continued)
Some of the specimens from the weekend:
The two winners of our Fungi Drawing Competition above: Left: for the 8+ years category – Mathew from Edinburgh and right: for the 7 & under category - Sophie from Edinburgh.
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
South Yorkshire History Group Sheffield General Cemetery - Fungal Foray
Michael Senkins (Sheffield City Council ecologist and Fungi recorder for South Yorkshire History Group) led a tour around the Cemetery finding and recording fungi. 45 attendees
Highlights of the day were finding fungi new to us, such as Artist’s bracket, Black bulgar, Black- foot polypore, Clouded funnel, Fibrecap species, King Alfred’s cakes, Smoky bracket, Trooping funnel, Turkeytail and Weeping widow.
People particularly enjoyed hearing about using King Alfred’s cakes for kindling, and the appro- priateness of particular Fungi in the Cemetery such as Weeping Widow, Dead Man’s Fingers and Angel’s Bonnet.
The event had been promoted by placing advertisements at key points throughout the Cemetery and on our noticeboard. We also used our events leaflet which is distributed at venues around Sheffield and at our events, and the various Social Media – Twitter, Facebook. Local listings guides.
The BMS materials supplied were displayed on our notice board leading up to the event, and we also put them on display for people to use and take during and after the event.
We had looked forward to receiving some ‘giveaway spores kits’ which unfortunately we didn’t receive. This wasn’t the end of the world but they would have been great to use and will be greatly appreciated in 2016.. The other materials were really great resources to receive., and the Common Fungus ID leaflets went down a treat.
Suggestions to make the event even better in 2016 might possibly be a guide to spores and making spore prints as a good addition. We were very happy to receive Fungi book. Any ideas for encouraging children to learn about Fungi will always be welcome.
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UK Fungus Day Event Reports
Staffordshire Fungus Group The Wolseley Centre, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s HQ Fungus Forays We held four forays, two in the morning and two in the afternoon with help from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust who provided display facilities and a room where we set out our finds and talked with the partic- ipants after the forays. We limited the number of people on each foray to ten accompanied by mem- bers of Staffs Fungus Group. The Wolseley Centre has mixed woodland and a large area of grass- land around it so we were able to foray in a range of habitats. The forayers could look at display ma- terial and leaflets provided by BMS and Staffs Fungus Group before the forays and were clearly very interested by it. They enjoyed searching for fungi and were very pleased to find a good number of species. After the forays, they were able to see specimens found by the other foray groups and ex- amine the fungi with mini microscopes and hand lenses.
Participants said they had enjoyed the event very much and two couples joined the Fungus Group there and then. It was good to hear people saying things like ‘I’ve found something!’ ‘Come and see this!’ ‘Look what I’ve found!’ Also people were de- lighted to receive the mushroom growing kits, and we left other material out on display for people to help themselves.
One highlight of the event was when we found some Common Eyelash fungi . People loved seeing this in detail through a magnifying lens.
The event was promoted through Staffordshire Wildlife Trust advertised it at the Wolseley Centre and on their website and took bookings to manage the number of participants. We wanted to give people a reasonable amount of attention and we’ve found that a group of about ten works well with one or two leaders, so we didn’t try to advertise it more widely.
To improve the event, but we’d like to encourage more children to attend next year, so perhaps some more resources geared towards them. Would be good It’s something to discuss at the next commit- tee meeting, of the Staffordshire Fungus Group and we’ll let you know if we come up with any bright ideas. Jane Traynor
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BOOKING PROCEDURE AND GENERAL INFORMATION ON EVENTS
The programme of events arranged by the foray manager and approved by the Field Mycology Committee ap- pear on the Society’s web site www.britmycolsoc.org.uk along with a booking form and further details, these can be downloaded from the website, There is a non-refundable booking fee of £20.00 per person, per event which should be sent to the Foray Manager with a completed booking form for each participant. For some events it is possible to attend on a part time basis or to be non resident (please enquire) a fee for workroom space, administration and tutoring costs will then be applicable. The Society welcomes non-members to its events but they are required to pay an extra £30 per event attended. However for a similar cost membership of the Society can be obtained and you will then qualify for member- ship benefits and receive the newsletter.
The foray manager will remind you for payment of the balance owing at the appropriate time, usually no later that six weeks before the event. Please pay this promptly to maintain your place on the event. Participants should consider travel insurance to cover late cancellation. Final payment refunds may be possible, but only if a substitute person is found. Bookings will be acknowledged by email. If you do not have an email please enclose a stamped, addressed envelope if you require acknowledgement. Early booking is recommended to ensure a place on an event.
The booking form also allows you to indicate your preferences for accommodation in more detail. The availa- ble accommodation varies with the venue and, whilst we would like to try to meet everyone's individual needs, this may not always be possible. Additional charges will usually apply for single rooms or en suite facilities depending on venue prices. All rooms will be booked on a 'First Come, First Served' basis so to ensure your choice of room type book early. If you are not able to attend due to there being no rooms left that are suitable for your stated requirements your cheque will be returned or a refund granted. NOTES ON EVENTS Workshops are usually held over a weekend, (Friday pm to Sunday pm) and are mainly indoors and combine lectures and practical work. On fungal identification workshops a microscope is essential. The BMS has a couple of microscope for use at workshops however, please ask the Foray Manager if a microscope will be available before making a booking. Fungal identification workshops may use both fresh and dried fungal spec- imens as appropriate. In some cases, some outdoor foray activity may be part of the workshop. Numbers are usually limited, and the courses are generally booked up very quickly.
Residential Forays have a long tradition extending back to the 19th Century. They provide an opportunity for participants to study the fungi of a particular area. The days usually include a programme of field outings to collect material which are then studied after returning to the workroom. These forays are suitable for mycolo- gists at all levels of ability. They providing an excellent opportunity for exchange of knowledge on current developments in taxonomy and conservation within an informal learning environment. There is also an oppor- tunity for the less experienced mycologist to learn from their more experiences colleagues.
At some events there may be an invited guest mycologist, and occasionally there will also be a lecture or presentation. Usually at autumn events either the guest mycologist or other experienced mycologist will dis- cuss the outstanding finds of the day around the display table. The records of fungi made during BMS forays are added to the Fungal Records Database of Britain and Ireland, which is then made accessible through the online NBN gateway. As part of this recording activity, forays also provide an opportunity to add herbarium specimens to the National collections.
First time participants to a BMS event - The Society is keen to encourage new participants with an interest in fungi to extend their expertise by participating in its forays and workshops. Field mycologists from affiliated local groups throughout the British Isles are particularly welcome. The organisers provide help and encourage- ment to new or less experienced attendees and are happy to be approached to discuss your particular needs. The organisers are keen to foster a friendly atmosphere to make it possible for all participants whatever their level of expertise to experience a friendly, informative and enjoyable event. At some events BMS books may be available for use. Also if new members have not yet purchased a microscope there may be an opportunity to use a society owned microscope. If you would like to do so please contact the Foray Manager
All participants are encouraged to bring any relevant literature and their own microscopes. However, whilst the organisers will endeavour to keep forayer's equipment as safe as is practicable, the society cannot be held accountable for any loss or damage, therefore it is advised that participants ensure that all equipment they bring is adequately insured.
Hope to see you on a BMS event soon: Peter R Smith, BMS Foray Manager. email: [email protected] 35 BRITISH MYCOLOGICAL SOCIETY FIELD MEETINGS 2016 -
PLEASE SEE DETAILS OF EVENTS BEFORE BOOKING All costs include the BMS member discount. (Non members + £30) Couples = one form only. Partners of members classed as members
Event: Spring Foray at Juniper Hall, Surrey, Monday 18th April to Monday 25th April 2016 Please book me onto this event: I enclose the £20 per person booking fee; Non refundable unless a room is unavailable Accommodation - Tick one box only I will only accept a single occupancy room, (cancel if unavailable) @ £360 per week Full Board Please book before I prefer single occupancy (cost as above) but am prepared to share if single room unavailable the end of January To keep down the cost, I prefer to share a twin bedded room @ £300 per week Full Board We are a couple and prefer a twin room or a double room @ £300 per week Full Board Life From Station Required
Workroom ONLY @ £50 per week
Event: Fungal Photography Workshop at Northern College, Friday 2nd September to Sunday 4th September 2016 Please book me onto this event: I enclose the £20 per person Booking fee; Non refundable unless a room is unavailable Accommodation - Please tick the box Please Book before the end of April Single occupancy room only on this workshop @ £155 Fri-Sun Full Board Lift from station required
Event: Overseas Foray to Oberhoft, Germany, Monday 26th September to Monday 3rd October 2016 Please book me onto this event: I enclose the £20 per person booking fee; Non refundable unless a room is unavailable Accommodation - Tick one box only Please Book before the end of April
I will only accept a single occupancy room, (cancel if unavailable) @ approx. €441 per week Half Board + share car hire I prefer single occupancy (cost as above) but am prepared to share if single room unavailable To keep down the cost, I prefer to share a twin bedded room @ approx €371 per week Half Board + share of car hire We are a couple and prefer a twin room or a double room @ approx €371 per week Half Board + share of car hire Please book before the end of April
Event: Autumn Foray at Sandy Balls Holiday Park, Hampshire, Monday 31st October to Monday 7th November 2016
Please book me onto this event: I enclose the £20 per person booking fee; Non refundable unless a room is unavailable Accommodation - Tick one box only Please Book before the end of March I will only accept a single occupancy room, (cancel if unavailable) @ £260 per week B&B & packed lunch I prefer single occupancy (cost as above) but am prepared to share if single room unavailable To keep down the cost, I prefer to share a twin bedded room @ £160 per week B&B & packed lunch We are a couple and prefer a twin room or a double room @ £160 per week B&B & packed lunch I only want to book for the use of the workroom only @ £50 per week Lift from station required
Address::
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Diet: Regular Vegetarian Pescetarian Other Please State:
I enclose deposits (£20 per person per event) making a total of £ and I understand that full payment is due when requested by the Foray Manager. Deposits are non refundable and final payments can only be refunded if a replace- ment is found, therefore travel insurance should be considered: I have read the attached 'Risk Assessment' and agree to follow the recommendations as far as is practicable.
Registered Charity: 276503 Signed......
Please make cheques payable to: 'The British Mycological Society' Post to: Peter R Smith, BMS Foray Manager, 16 White Street, Derby, DE22 1HA Email: [email protected]
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UK Fungus Day 2016
9th October 2016
Thinking of organising an event for this year’s UK Fungus Day?
Get in touch! [email protected]
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British Mycological Society City View House Union Street Ardwick Manchester M12 4JD Mycologist News Tel: +44 (0) 161 277 7638 Email: [email protected] Fax: +44 (0) 161 277 7634 BMS Website: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk
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