Mushroom forage, gaultheria gin sampling amongst others, and back to base for a fry up!

It's UK Fungus Day! And what better way to mark the date than with a funky foray! We can all help with recording, and people nationwide are taking part in the Big Fly Agaric Find! Let's see how many of these beauties we can spot during our walk and take lots of pics; it's a very Instagram-able mushie!!!

A wonderful treat for seasonal foraging, my favourite place, Rivington Terraced Gardens. A few years ago, Gardeners' World came here to look at the gardens, and I talked to them about mushrooms (you can find the clip on my website: www.foresthorizons.co.uk (http://www.foresthorizons.co.uk)). As you’ll see from the video, it can be an incredible place for fungi.

Industrialist and social philanthropist Lord Leverhulme originally built the gardens, which feature oriental structures, dramatic ravines, and waterfalls. After decades of neglect, the Rivington Heritage Trust is now lovingly restoring the site with the help of volunteers. Many of the paths and water features have been renovated, and the whole place looks more stunning than I ever remember.

We’ll be foraging for mushrooms. We'll keep an eye out for porcini and chanterelles (if we’re lucky), Russula and Lactarius species (which offer some surprising flavours), and medicinal mushrooms like turkey tail and birch polypore.

As part of the session, I’ll also introduce elements of Embodied Foraging, a practice I’ve developed that focuses on slowing down and tuning in to your senses. Through taste, touch, scent, and awareness, we’ll explore how deeper nature connection can emerge through direct sensory experience and mindful attention.

You’ll learn about the fascinating underground connections between mycelium and trees, the ecology, the relationships, and the role each species plays in the forest. We'll even talk about how wild gins are made (don’t worry, I’ll also bring non-alcoholic versions to sample).

Whether you're completely new to foraging or already have some experience, this is a fantastic learning opportunity. By the end of the walk, you’ll confidently recognise a few key species and understand how to continue building your identification skills.

Practical Info:

The walk is slow-paced and will cover about one to two miles, depending on how many detours we take. While we’ll stick to the paths, the gardens sit on a hillside with lots of steps, and some sections can be muddy or slippery if it rains. Please wear boots or wellies and bring waterproofs.

We aim to forage enough wild ingredients for a fry-up and mushroom tasting at the end of the walk. Bring a packed lunch — we’ll stop somewhere scenic for a bite during the session.

LOCATION: I'll email you a day or two before the forage with instructions and location details for whichever sat nav you use, plus my phone number. But please have a look at a map before you set off and get your bearings. Thank you!

What to Bring:

Boots or wellies

Waterproofs

Lunch/snacks

A foraging basket, staff, or knife if you have them (no problem if not)

Booking & Contact Info:

No need to print your ticket — I’ll have your name on my list once you’ve booked.

Refund Policy: I have a fair and honest refund policy. Refunds are automated up to 7 days before the event — log in to Eventbrite and request one. I often have a waiting list, so if I can resell your ticket, I’ll refund up to the day before — just get in touch. Cancellations on the day usually cannot be refunded, as it's too late to resell the ticket.

Email Contact: Whatever email you use on Eventbrite is the one I’ll use to send details and reminders. Please check it for confirmation and event info in the lead-up to the forage. If you prefer another way to stay in touch, let me know on 07984 123891 and 07583514707.

Looking forward to seeing you soon, and here's hoping for a bumper season!

Col & Sadie

Forest Horizons

www.foresthorizons.co.uk (http://www.foresthorizons.co.uk)

Description supplied by the event organiser.