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New Forest Fungi (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR366A day trip exploring the extraordinary variety of fungi in the New Forest.
£60
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
We begin the morning at an iconic stretch of New Forest heathland, rich in classic fungi. Here we will search for striking species such as Devil’s Fingers, colourful Waxcaps, and Nail Fungus, along with photogenic favourites like Fly Agaric. This open habitat offers excellent opportunities to learn how fungi interact with heathland plants, soils, and grazing animals.
After a break for lunch, we relocate to one of the finest examples of ancient woodland in the New Forest. This remarkable site supports a wide variety of woodland specialists, including Ear-pick Fungus and Holly Parachute, alongside well-known species such as Amethyst Deceiver, False Deathcap, and Glistening Inkcap. The contrasting conditions of heath and woodland provide a superb insight into how different fungal communities thrive.
Across the day, we can expect to record up to 80 species. We will take our time to discuss fungal ecology, identification features, and the fascinating life cycles that underpin these remarkable organisms. The walk will be at a gentle, unhurried pace, allowing ample time for photography and close observation.
Following the trip, participants will receive a full species list of all fungi recorded during the day.
We shall cover approximately 3 - 5 km during the course of the day. Transport is required to travel between the sites we shall visit.
- Search for Heathland and Woodland fungal species such as Devil’s Fingers, colourful Waxcaps, Fly Agaric, Amethyst Deceiver and False Deathcap
- Learn about the ecology and identification of fungi
- Enjoy an autumn day in the New forest
Dates & Prices
2026
Tour Leader: Marcus Ward
Marcus is a life-long naturalist specialising in birds, mammals, moths and fungi. Now based in Weymouth, he previously lived in and around the New Forest for most of his life. It is here in the Forest that Marcus is known for his work with Hawfinch, in addition to leading the Pine Marten project, and has spent many 100’s of hours in the field with these species each year. This has led to the publication of numerous papers and articles on these species, alongside literature on Firecrest and ground-nesting waders.
Marcus is a bird-ringing trainer and runs a team of 12 bird ringers as part of the New Forest Ringing Group. He is also a former trustee of Hampshire Ornithological Group and over the years has sat on several working groups and committees advising on woodland birds and mammals.
Marcus is a popular speaker on the circuit and when he isn’t fulfilling his obsession for Hawfinch he can be found on his local patch at Lymington-Keyhaven Marshes where over the years he has found and documented many scarce and rare species.
Tour Leader: Marcus Ward
Marcus is a life-long naturalist specialising in birds, mammals, moths and fungi. Now based in Weymouth, he previously lived in and around the New Forest for most of his life. It is here in the Forest that Marcus is known for his work with Hawfinch, in addition to leading the Pine Marten project, and has spent many 100’s of hours in the field with these species each year. This has led to the publication of numerous papers and articles on these species, alongside literature on Firecrest and ground-nesting waders.
Marcus is a bird-ringing trainer and runs a team of 12 bird ringers as part of the New Forest Ringing Group. He is also a former trustee of Hampshire Ornithological Group and over the years has sat on several working groups and committees advising on woodland birds and mammals.
Marcus is a popular speaker on the circuit and when he isn’t fulfilling his obsession for Hawfinch he can be found on his local patch at Lymington-Keyhaven Marshes where over the years he has found and documented many scarce and rare species.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
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