Meet a field mycologist

How long have you been into Mycology? I’ve been going to fungus forays for a number of years, I’ve always been interested but about 3 years ago I plucked up the courage, bought a microscope, which made a big difference, and joined a local fungus group which helped me really get into my own identifications and enjoy fungi. 

I’ve worked in agriculture, retail, spent a number of years as a pastor in a baptist church. And as a chaplain in a care home for the past 4 years - singing dancing and laughing every day.

What is your pet group of fungi? It’s getting smaller and smaller. The group I love are what’s called the microfungi, so a lot of the little round things called discos you get under logs and on leaves and things, all colours - yellows, oranges, blacks. But also the little dots on plants which look a bit boring until you get them under the microscope and look at the spores, it’s a whole new world and it’s exciting - every day is a school day and I absolutely love it.

What advice do you have for people who want to get into mycology? Fungi is not the easiest thing when you’re new, and I’d say, like me, just get a general interest going, go along to forays, join a local fungus group - people are very friendly, very helpful. Some of the groups on Facebook are super, you can upload a photo, people talk to you and they’ll help you. So use those kind of resources, take your time, don’t expect to go too far too fast, be patient: it’s taken me two years to get to the point where I feel comfortable recording things, but it’s been a great journey, a very challenging, enjoyable journey. 

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Local Fungus Groups exist in many parts of the UK. They are run on a voluntary basis by enthusiasts seeking to share their knowledge of wild fungi and improve identification skills. Groups offer a welcoming environment for current and new members to enjoy exploring the world of fungi. Find a group.

 

Some fungus groups around the UK run public events to celebrate UK Fungus Day. Find an event.