Mushroom Foraging Walk

Before the dawn of agriculture, specialised jobs, and bureaucracies, every human being on the planet was an ecologist. Our survival depended on having an intimate knowledge of the flora, fauna, and funga in our local habitats, and how we can use them for our own health. Modern life has taken away this human need, yet deep down we still yearn for the ecological intimacy we once possessed.

We will be venturing through Ashridge Estate between Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire on a day trip that will take us through mushroom foraging, natural history, and nature connection. We will learn to identify key species of edible and medicinal mushrooms and how to sustainably forage them to ensure we preserve their populations for the future.

Ashridge Estate spans 5000 acres of National Trust land with easy transport links from London, making it an ideal location for a day trip out of the city. We will meet at Harrow & Wealdstone Station (Bakerloo line and London Overground) at 10:00 to catch the 10:35 train to Berkhamsted (an 18 minute journey). From then its a short bus journey to the entrance of the forest. We will finish by 15:00, whereupon we will end the day with an optional meal at a local pub or restaurant, so feel free to stick along with us if the spirit moves you.

         Important things to bear in mind:

• We will be meeting at Harrow & Wealdstone Station at 10:00 sharp
• You can pre-book train tickets to Berkhamsted in advance to speed things up
• Please bring suitable clothing for walking in all weather conditions (boots, waterproofs, etc.), a small basket or paper bags, and a notebook
• Bring plenty of water and a packed lunch/snacks for energy
• The walk will last approximately 4 hours, please be prepared for rigorous movement
• Contact details to the facilitators will be sent out prior to the date
• The act of nature immersion and engaging with the myriad forms of life around you may occasion an altered state of consciousness

Past mushroom foraging walks:

26th October 2019, Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted

12th October 2019, Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted

5th October 2019, Ashridge Estate, Berkhamsted