Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school.

Full-day Fungi Identification Workshop

And a wild lunch in Forest Row

Mentored by

Fergus The Forager

Fergus the Forager

Organisation links
Location address: Forest Row, RH18 5JX
Chosen age group:

For ages: 18+ years

Available tickets:
Standard £100
Next date: None - message Mentor to express interest
What we'll do
Suitable for those with both beginner or intermediate level fungi knowledge. Also includes more advanced cooking/preservation methods. Beginning at 10 am and concluding around 4 pm (9 am - 3 pm during November), we will be foraging in different fungal habitats, for example, woodlands of various kinds as well as grassland (exact locations will depend on the quality/quantity of available fungi I spot when doing a recce the day before). Drawing on my 30-year experience of identifying and gathering fungi, the aim is to provide a general introduction to seasonally available fungi, how to harvest them sustainably and how to utilize them as food and medicine, as well as how to recognise and avoid poisonous species. I will also introduce, with hands-on examples in some cases, how to use fungi for other purposes such as painting, dyeing, ink making, paper making. You will taste a number of different mushroom products during the day, for example, canied fungi, pickled fungi, lacto-fermented fungi, liquid mushroom seasoning, mushroom cookies etc. In terms of non-food related fungi uses, whether you have children or not, such an added exploration is a really positive way to introduce fungi to them, bypassing the mycophobic culture of fear that abides in British culture. A 'simple' wild-food-based lunch (delicious soup with homemade sourdough bread) will be provided (but feel free to bring extras of course. We will also work with some excellent fungi identification keys, as well as a range of guide books. Much of fungi identification using the naked eye rather than microscopes (that is, identification in the field metaphorically and literally) is about a balance of probabilities that point to a particular species. The keys that we will use are excellent ones that, if used, will greatly aid your ongoing confidence in the beginning to accurately and systematically correctly identify a particular fungus down to genus level whilst out on your own. Note: November is a late-season course, at the transitional time when the bulk of autumn fungi fruiting bodies for most species are on the wane, yet it is also that exciting time when species stimulated by the colder and frostier days begin to appear. Note: Covid 19 course adaptions. Places are limited to allow for ease of maintaining personal distance. Hand sanitizer and disposable gloves available for use when and if appropriate.
About your mentor
Fergus The Forager
Fergus the Forager
Foraging is a life-long learning process, and Fergus has been at it for 30 years, stuying an gathering fungi since 1990. Not only does he have great depths of knowledge in all the key aspects of identification, processing, use and best sustainable practice, but he combines it with a fun and engaging manner that brings the craft to life and makes it accessible to all. He has been described by his foraging instructor peers as "the Starship Enterprise of foraging". Forager Mark Williams enthused: "We need gastronauts like Star Fleet Commander Drennan to chart new worlds..." His favourite was when he was described as "Heston Blumenthal, Rene Redzepi, and Pascal Bauder, rolled into one.” He is inspired to offer this string of courses because delving into the wonderful world of fungi was his entry to the larger world of wild foods and medicines more generally.
Gift Vouchers
Please use the Message Mentor button to send me a message to request your gift voucher. You will receive a beautifully designed PDF that can be personalised on request. The lucky recipient will be able to choose from any available course in the future and use your Gift Voucher partial or fully to attend the course or workshop of their preference. Once the Gift Voucher recipient has chosen their day, they should send me a message on Eequ and I will confirm their place by email.
Learning aims
Aim 1
To be able to appreciate the wealth of wild fungi that abound all around us in suitable habitats.
Aim 3
Learn key preservation and processing techniques.
Aim 5
Learn and discover the importance of being able to identify different trees and other plants in the pursuit of wild fungi.
Aim 2
Develop a clear understanding of how to gather seasonally and sustainably for both food and medicine.
Aim 4
Experience the added learning that comes from a multi-sensory approach to wild foods, through touch, taste, smell, sight, and indeed listening.
Private Groups
I regularly provide bespoke foraging or wild lunch events for private groups. This makes for a unique and personal experience where friends or family can spend a nourishing day in nature, remembering what is wonderful about our world and each other. These events can be customised and depending on numbers (normally 4 - 30) can be in any location in the UK. Events are ideal for: Birthday and celebration gatherings Training for outdoor educators School groups from approx age 12 Corporate team events Each event is designed in close dialogue with you for a most memorable day.
Pricing information
Ticket nameStandard
Price£100
PHOTO GALLERY
Where we'll be
Location tbc (but here or near by), Hartfield Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Snacks
Meals
Equipment
Safety
Basic DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy
No refunds are given except in the case of a cancellation by the Mentor.If you cancel: Cancel up to 2 weeks before the course date and receive a full refund. If I cancel: A full refund given. If the course needs to be cancelled due to Government law changes regarding Covid 19, a full refund will be provided.

My experience is an educational activity and the 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 therefore applies. After the 14 day period my standard policy will apply.