Learning Fungi Identification Skills

The course will begin with an indoor session during which you will look at the various groups of fungi and how to collect them. Field sessions will follow during which you will collect a range of species, noting their ecology which is very important in assisting identification. When you return indoors you will look at the main features that need to be identified before progressing on to using keys to identify what has been found.

By the end of the course, you will:

•  Know how to use a key to identify to genus
• Be familiar with a wide range of fungi that occur in the habitat surrounding the course location
• Be familiar with the Latin and common names of some fungi
• Be familiar with the habitat requirements of some fungi

Who Should Attend? – This course will be useful as in-service training for those involved in environmental and outdoor education. Those interested in general Natural History will become more familiar with the Fungi Kingdom and it is a good introduction to the fungi for those that wish to develop skills in identification.

Knowledge Level – Beginner-Intermediate. 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: There is no accommodation, refreshments, or meal facilities included in the course price. 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. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.

Bookings will close if course capacity is reached. 

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

Paul Nichol

Field mycologist for 30 years during which time I have been a tutor for the Field Studies Council at several centres. Founder of the Nottinghamshire and Cumbria fungus groups and adult education tutor for Nottingham University and the WEA. Author of ‘ An Initial Guide to the Identification of Mushrooms & Toadstools’. Trustee of the Fungus Conservation Trust.

Example Timetable

This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect.

• Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00
• The course will end at 17:00

Day 1

Morning: 

• Indoors introduction to fungi what they are and how they feed
• Field work to collect a range of fungi

Afternoon:

• Lunch - not provided
• Indoor session classifying the fungi and careful observation of their features
• Introduction to the use of keys

Day 2

Morning: 

• Collecting once again

Afternoon:

• Lunch - not provided
• Independent work on using keys and field guides
• Developing an exhibition of identified specimens

Please note accommodation, refreshments, and an evening meal are not included in the course price. 

• 
  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 species
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression

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.

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, read more here.

What to Bring

• Current field guide to European Fungi
• Kitchen fork
• Penknife
• Magnifying lens (if possible)
• Notebook and pencil
• Lunch and refreshments
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
• Small bag to carry personal items

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.