Fungal Foray and Volunteers

It's been a very busy few days here. On Sunday local mycologist Keith Thomas led a Fungal Foray around some of Foxglove. As you might imagine, at this time of year, there were lots of different types of fungus to identify! The children were eager for Keith to identify each and every mushroom they found, from the largest to the very smallest.

We found about thirty different mushrooms on our walk from the field centre to the wetland and along Risedale Beck. There were Wooly Milkcap, The Deceiver, Tripe Fungus and Parasol Mushroom to name but a few. We had a session back at the classroom where Keith told us lots more about these fascinating organisms and then we prepared some of the caps to make spore prints. Most of these have been successful and we will put them on display.

Thanks a lot Keith for giving us your time and expertise.

Now that the new hide is 'open for business' Trevor and Darryl are working on the hide roof and the linking boardwalk. This will link the new bridge with the boardwalk coming from the scrapes area.

On Tuesday the Foxglove volunteers cleared an overgrown hedge back from the discovery trail. This path will be being widened within the next few weeks and the volunteers have done all the preparation by ensuring the verge is clear. Andrew was clearly having a good time!

Wednesday volunteers, Mike and Tony, have done a variety of tasks today, from repairing a path, clearing and burning brash left from the summer to stock taking our books and cards and tidying up on the wetland. Meanwhile Elizabeth helped out in the office.

Thanks a lot everyone!