23rd - 25th October 2026

Join us along with expert mycologist Neville Kilkenny on a journey of discovery. Walking through the woods of the oldest deer park in the country, learning to identify and responsibly forage for fungi. Though we cannot guarantee what we shall find, being able to explore such a large and diverse estate provides us with many different woodland environments, giving us the best possible chance to find a wide variety.

This course will introduce you to the fungi found in our woodlands. We shall cover as much ground as possible spending the day travelling the diverse woodlands of the estate, working as a group under Neville’s direction and keen eye, to find and learn about what specimens are available at this time of year. We shall also discover the other wild edibles along the way.  In the evening we shall come together around the fire to look in more detail at key identification points, discuss the uses of the fungi found and should we find some of the very tasty edible varieties we will prepare some to eat.

Subjects covered during this course include:

• Edible fungi.
• Seasons and likely locations.
• Tasting of seasonal fungi.
• Uses in Bushcraft.
• Use of identification keys.
• Ethics of foraging.

This course is aimed at anyone from the complete beginner to those with an interest in fungi. A copy of An Initial Guide To The Identification of Mushrooms & Toadstools - Fourth Edition by Paul Nichol will be yours to take away to help you continue your journey into this intriguing world.

This course will start at 16:00 on day 1 and will finish at 16:00 on day 3.

Catering

Please be aware that this is a 2-day, self-catered course, so ensure you bring enough food for the duration and a stove to cook it on. You should bring meals that are easy and quick to cook as well as plenty of snacks and a lunch for when we are on the trail. Many clients have found in the past, bringing a cool box is useful to keep all of your food inside.

We provide a kettle, tea, coffee, squash and biscuits in a brew box at the main campfire of the course, under a large parachute. We also have fresh drinking water and a fruit bowl available.

Course Site

The Autumn Fungi Forager course will take place at an expedition style camp in East Sussex, close to Tunbridge Wells. The camp is situated in beautiful private woodland with lots of wildlife including deer, owls, badgers, fox and butterflies. We do not have shower/toilet blocks at our sites; therefore all aspects of the course will have a fantastic wilderness feel, using screened camp shower and a screened latrine in the woods.

We also have a car park at the course site where your car will be kept during the course (if you bring one).

Other Details

You must be over 17 to attend this course. We may allow you to attend the course if you are slightly younger accompanied by an adult, at our discretion.

Joining instructions will be sent to participants of the course 9 weeks before it is due to start giving details of where to meet, at what time, and what to bring with you.

Pre Course Information

View Information Here

East Sussex

Full joining instructions, kit list and consent form will be sent to you 9 weeks before the commencement of this course. Kit lists and consent forms are available to download from the website.

Step into the world of wild fungi on the Autumn Fungi Forager course. Gain the skills and knowledge required to become a confident and responsible fungi forager. Fungi can often have a sinister reputation, associated with inducing hallucinations, decay and death. There are however many beneficial uses for fungi including food, medicine, fire lighting and breaking down the debris of the forest. Notoriously difficult to identify, even more so than plants, great care must be taken when foraging. Edible fungi can often have very similar poisonous cousins. Unlike plants, which are much easier to identify, to become a successful fungi forager, it requires higher attention to detail. Guided by the Woodlore team, this 2-day course teaches you to recognise a variety of species in their natural habitat. Fungi have been used by humans for thousands of years for nutrition and medicines. Many species can also support immune function and health aspects, whilst others are used for bushcraft. You will be introduced to a wider perspective so you can be less fearful and more knowledgeable. Led by experts, you will explore the local woodland and cover grounds shaped by the seasons. The varied environment of forest floors and pastures offer optimum conditions for finding a range of species. The uncertainty of what you’ll find makes it more interesting. You’ll gather round at the end of the day to examine your findings in deeper detail. You’ll learn key identification markers to separate the edible and harmful, as well as practice ethical foraging. All over the world, thousands of species are edible and useful. For those willing to learn, fungi can be one of the most incredible aspects of bushcraft. Become a true fungi forager with us today. This course will start at 16:00 on day 1 and will finish at 16:00 on day 3.