Autumn Fungi: Introduction and Beginner Identification

Please note, this is the 2-day version of our 1-day fungi beginner courses (Autumn Fungi: An Introduction and Autumn Fungi: Beginner Identification).

This is the perfect course for beginners looking to further their fungi identification skills by looking more closely at the characteristics needed to start using keys. On the first day, we will focus on observational skills and the characteristics of fungi that can be used in identification. On the second day, we will explore commonly encountered groups of fungi with a focus on the on spore printing as a technique in the identification process. The course will introduce you to different types of keys and how to use them to identify a species to genus including written, digital and online. You will also gain an understanding of the importance of these species for ecology, conservation, and recording.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand key morphological features to begin a fungus identification.
• Describe the variety of habitats in which you can find fungi and how this can be used to make an accurate identification.
• Record useful field notes and use the correct equipment to safely collect fungi.
• Create spore prints from different fungi species and use them to aid ID.
• Understand how to get started with a key, become familiar with different types of keys, and gain experience in using a basic key to genus.
• Understand non-taxonomic and taxonomic classifications, why classification systems are important and subject to change.
• Explain the key morphological features that distinguish agarics, boletes and tooth fungi, how to collect them for identification and explain how to use these features for ID to genus level in agarics.

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career ecologists.

Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge – No existing knowledge, or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn.

PLEASE NOTE: If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. Please see the ‘What’s Included’ section for information on accommodation and meals.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached. 

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Chris Ford

Chris Ford has worked in environmental education over 15 years, working for the FSC in the London Region at Juniper Hall and Bushy Park and at the Blencathra Centre in the Lake District National Park. He spent 9 years as Learning Officer for the RSPB on the Suffolk Coast at RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve. Chris is currently a Project Officer with the Broads Authority working to engage diverse audiences with the natural world. Chris continues to share his love for the natural world from wildflowers to wading birds and invertebrates to interesting fungus. When he isn’t working Chris is often out on his bike or out in the garden but always with an eye out for anything interesting that might be spotted nearby.

Timings for this course may vary, so please check the start and end times for the course runs at the bottom of this page. Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly.

This course will involve both classroom learning and field excursions to cover all of the learning objectives.

Lunch is not included unless you purchase an accommodation option, so please bring your own food. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided for all.

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  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory of the topic
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression
• Refreshments (tea/coffee)

You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

Accommodation and Meals

We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

For courses runs at Field Studies Council Centres, there may be the option to book accommodation with your course. If accommodation is available, there will be two booking options:

• Non-Resident
• Resident (Sole Occupancy)

If you choose a Non-Resident booking, this includes course tuition and refreshments (tea and coffee) only. Please arrive by 10 am on the Saturday for the first session.

If you choose a Resident (Sole Occupancy) booking, this includes accommodation with your own bedroom for Friday and Saturday night, and meals throughout the course (including an evening meal on the Friday through to a packed lunch on Sunday). You can check in from 4 pm on the day before the start of the course.

If your booking has more than one person and you would like a shared room, please email [email protected] to inquire.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable. Please also note that bathrooms may be shared.

Student Discount

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.

Natural History Bursaries

There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, find out more here.

What to Bring

• Notebook and pencil
• Lunch and refreshments
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
• Hand lens x10
• Penknife
• Any up to date field guide of fungi

Recommended Literature

• Fungi Name Trail Guide
• Distinctive Gilled Fungi
• Distinctive Non-Gilled Fungi

There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.