Fungi Forage at Chambers Farm Wood
10-year-old Mark Cumberledge inspects colourful fungi.
THE fungi season is upon us - and that means extra work for enthusiast Ray Halstead from Market Rasen who will be leading a forage in the 340 hectare Chambers Farm Wood, near Wragby on Saturday October 20.
Ray has taken on the role as Lincolnshire county recorder responsible for collating sighting of fungi and managing a database of over 56,000 entries!
“Some of the earliest reports on the database stem from the 16th and 17th centuries,” said Ray, who is a member of the Lincolnshire Naturalists’ Union.
“I’d call myself an enthusiast rather than an expert because fungi are such extraordinary and diverse organisms.
“There’s always something more to learn.”
Chambers is part of the Bardney Limewoods National Nature Reserve and a hotspot for mushrooms and toadstools.
“I tend not to advocate picking wild fungi as it can be dangerous if you are not knowledgable,” adds Ray. “Many varieties also play an important role in maintaining a healthy environment.”
As well as identifying species, Ray will also explain how fungi had very practical uses in the past, such as red and white fly agaric, chopped up in milk and used as a fly killer, and ink cap, which really was a source for writing inks.
The two hour walk meets at 1.30pm at the Chambers Farm Wood Centre off the B1202 Wragby to Barney Road and costs £5 per person.
It is suitable for children, but booking is required by contacting Hannah Darcel on 07789 942599 or email hannah.darcel@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Horncastle
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 14 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
