About Us
The Huntingdon Fungus Group was formed by Sheila Wells in 1994. We are a friendly group of over a dozen enthusiastic forayers. We meet almost every weekend through the Autumn, and on the first Saturday of the month throughout the year when conditions are favourable.
Join Us!
We welcome new members with a genuine interest in identifying fungi. Annual membership costs £3.50 and includes insurance provided by the Association of British Fungus Groups (ABFG). Contact Sheila Wells for joining details.
Our Mascot
The artwork for our mascot was originally drawn in black ink on paper by group member Peter Walker. It shows the Magpie Ink Cap (Coprinus picaceus), which is a local speciality and is found in many of our woods, often late in the year.
Forays
Our forays usually take place on Saturday mornings, starting at 10am and lasting for 2-3 hours. Although our local patch is the old county of Huntingdonshire and the Soke of Peterborough, we often venture further afield. We collect small numbers of specimens for identification, and occasionally to eat, but collection of basketfuls for the pot is discouraged on our forays as it might jeopardise future permission from landowners.
What to Bring
Depending on the foray and the weather, here is a useful check list of items you may need:
Rubber boots, plastic bag, welly socks, warm clothing, waterproofs, magnifying glass, basket, collecting boxes, notebook, pencil, mobile phone, maps, directions, GPS, compass, chemical tests, white handkerchief, tissues, field guide, camera, batteries, cash, snack, drink, packed lunch (on day forays or if staying for a picnic). You should also bring a knife, but it must not look like a weapon.
Lyme Disease
The ticks which live on deer and pheasants can carry Lyme Disease, so wear long trousers tucked into socks, and remove any ticks within 24 hours.
Magic Mushrooms
We will disassociate ourselves with anyone deliberately collecting psilocybin mushrooms. If you accidentally collect some, you are obliged to destroy them after identification, and may not keep them in a herbarium.