Identification of Macrofungi – 14/10/2022

This course on identification of macrofungi is for those who are interested in fungi, have some basic experience of trying to identify them e.g. using a pictorial field guide or participating in local group recording forays, and would like to take their identification skills further.

By the end of the course participants should know how to set about the identification process, be able to place fungi into correct major groups and be able to identify many of the more commonly occurring to at least genus level. We will also gain an understanding of the importance of these species for ecology, conservation, and recording. The course will cover:

• Identification: During this course you will be taking part in excursions to be allowed time to practice observing in the field.
• Collection and Recording: You will take part in the collection and recording of fungi in the field.
• Laboratory Sessions: There will be opportunities to take part in laboratory sessions including use of keys and microscopy.

Your course takes place on a 12-hectare estate, surrounded by a rich range of habitats, including the River Severn and semi-ancient woodland, set in the heart of Shropshire with views disappearing into Wales.

PLEASE NOTE the course fee is for tuition  only. If you would like to book accommodation and meals, including packed lunches, at Preston Montford please email [email protected]  Please book early to ensure availability of accommodation.

Who Should Attend?

Natural history enthusiasts, students, rangers, ecologists, environmental professionals. This intermediate level course is open to anyone with some knowledge of the subject.

Knowledge Level – Intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

What will be covered during this course?

The course will be delivered through a combination of seminars, laboratory identification sessions and practical field work. Field work will involve visiting a range of habitats where the specimens can be identified within an ecological context.

• Defining fungi, how their life cycle differs from other groups, how they fit in with other groups of organisms
• Classification of fungi
• Study of their structure and function
• Identification, description, ecology, distribution, with particular reference to the mushrooms and toadstools
• Focus on the more easily identifiable groups i.e. larger Basidiomyctes
• Field techniques for the identification of macro features
• The role of fungi as saprophytes and parasites, fungal ecology
• Fungal distribution with reference to climate, edaphic factors and host species

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

• Define the diagnostic features of a range of macrofungi, identify species using appropriate tools and describe the general morphology and life cycles of macrofungi.
• Compare the ecology and distribution of selected macrofungi and criticially evaluate the roles they have as ecological indicators.

Accreditation

This is one of a series of courses (Units) run jointly with Manchester Metropolitan University contributing to the MSc Biological Recording and Ecological Monitoring and the Postgraduate Certificate in Biological Recording. MMU students complete assessed work after the course. For further details about Manchester Metropolitan University degree programmes please contact:

Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, (Shrewsbury Office). Email: [email protected]

• See the ‘Example Timetable’ and ‘What’s Included’ sections below for more information about this course.
• Upon booking you will need to provide individual details of all attendees
• Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Assessment

For Manchester Metropolitan University students, the Unit will be assessed through, for example, identification tests, survey reports, field journals, production of keys, essays or other forms of assessment. In course tests are optional and less formal for participants who are not MMU students.

MMU students will be required to complete a portfolio comprising of two parts:

Part 1: Complete an identification assessment with the aid of any field guides/keys or notes. Justify your identification of each specimen using the most important diagnostic features. (Equivalent to 500 words)

Part 2: Collect a number of macrofungi specimens identified and fully labelled. Prepare voucher sheets for each species with appropriate information and layout, detailing key diagnostic features. The assessment will involve comparing and contrasting the features of different species. (1500 words)

Sorry this course booking is closed