What is nature's best-kept secret?

Greater in number and biomass than all groups of living organisms except insects ...spending most of their lives invisibly hidden amongst microbes…. occasionally coming out of hiding when interacting or to reproduce. Some become the largest living things weighing 100's of tonnes.

These life forms are in a Kingdom of Life of their own. No ecosystem could function without them. They could recycle you when you die! They are….. the fungi!

This day will introduce you to ‘Planet Fungus’ that completely surrounds each one of us and yet most of us are completely unaware of. Starting with a talk and slide show we will explore the microscopic bodies of fungi composed of tiny threads, chords and root-like structures, we will then re-enforce what we have learnt by exploring the site to find some examples of it's resident fungi. We will round the day off by identifying our finds and sampling the best, before releasing any fungi we don't want to keep back into the wild.

Event Leader - Dr Christian Taylor
Christian Taylor holds a doctorate in the woodland ecology of fungi and insects. He has previously hosted fungal wildlife walks around Bath, his student city.

Christian has taught on biodiversity modules and ecology field trips at university. Christian's PhD showed how insects are provided accommodation in forests through relations with fungi. He first became interested in ecology whilst studying forest ecology during his applied biology degree.

Cost: £30 Adults/kids come free!

Venue to be confirmed upon booking.