With the fungal season getting underway, we’re opening up our regular Monday afternoon mushroom forays at Coed Talylan for anyone interested in fungi to come along and join us.
Every Monday, from 4:30pm to 7pm, we’ll head out into the woods to see what’s fruiting, learn together, and record the fungal diversity of Coed Talylan.
These are informal, friendly sessions rather than guided courses. Whether you already know your Russulas from your Cortinarius, are trying to get better at identification, or simply want to learn more about the extraordinary diversity of fungi in our woodlands, you’re very welcome to join us.
What we’ll be doing
The main purpose of the forays is to find, identify and record the fungi fruiting across the site. Our records are gradually contributing to the development of the Coed Talylan fungarium – a reference collection documenting the fungal diversity of the woodland.
We have collecting and identification equipment available, along with materials for recording and preserving specimens. Back at cabin in the woods, we also have an extensive collection of fungal identification books and other mycological literature, so there is plenty of opportunity to sit down with specimens and work through identifications together.
For anyone interested in going further into mycology, we also have a small laboratory equipped with microscopes for examining spores and other microscopic features. We have a Bento Lab PCR system too, allowing us to explore molecular identification and DNA-based approaches where morphology alone cannot give us a confident answer.
There’s no expectation that you already know anything about fungi. Part of the idea behind Mushroom Mondays is to create a regular space where beginners, experienced recorders and anyone curious about fungi can meet, share knowledge and develop their identification skills.
Come and join us
Mushroom Mondays run every Monday during the fungal season, from 4:30pm–7pm at Coed Talylan.
Come for the whole session or drop in when you can. Bring suitable footwear and clothing for wandering around a woodland.
What we find will depend entirely on the weather and the season, which is part of the fun of it. Each week should bring something different.
If you’d like to learn fungi, help us build a better picture of the fungal diversity of the woodland, or simply spend a couple of hours looking closely at mushrooms with other interested people, come and join us for a Mushroom Monday.
Just call or message 07808168562 or email info@coedtalylan.org.uk
