Fungi for Beginners on the Norfolk/Suffolk Border (Day Trip)

Summary

Thetford Forest dominates the Breckland area on the Suffolk/Norfolk border and is rich in a dazzling variety of mysterious fungi, numbers of which peak in autumn.

Join Su Gough, an experienced naturalist and enthusiastic fungus forayer, for a gentle exploration of the mix of acid heath, grassland, coniferous and deciduous woodland, enjoying the gorgeous autumnal sights and smells and learning about this strange group of organisms, focusing on the ones that can be identified in the field. The species likely to be encountered will depend a little on the weather conditions running up to the foray, but we will look for the truly strange Earthstars, Fly Agarics and Death Caps, puffballs and parasols, Blushers and Sickeners! We will also take our time to enjoy the other wildlife we might encounter such as migrating birds and late-season flowers, as well as touching on some of the incredible history of the area.

During the course of the day we will explore the King’s Forest, Knettishall Heath and Rishbeth Woods in Thetford Forest and, if time allows, Wretham Heath, driving the very short distances in between each site and taking our time to explore thoroughly. There will be plenty of opportunities for keen photographers, and we will cover around 5 miles on foot during the course of the day.