Six of the best: fungal forays

Stanton Park car park at Postern Hill, Glos (01793 764649) Organised by the Cotswold Fungus group, this is one of a regular round of mushroom hunts throughout the autumn. The foray is followed by a pub lunch at the Jolly Huntsman at Kington St Michael

New House Wood Upper Cumberworth, Yorks, 01484 606618 for details, 2- 4pm, Sun Organised by a kids' environmental club, but non-members welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult and should bring a container. Edible varieties will be cooked at the end of the afternoon. 25p per person

Great Holland Pits Nature Reserve (01206 729678) half a mile from Great Holland village centre, off the road to Little Clacton, Essex - the meeting point will be signed, 10am Sunday The foray will be led by local mushroom authority, Ian Rose, who will be hunting for whatever turns up. The hunt will be a couple of hours long and is free

Howell Hill Cuddington Golf Course, Cuddington Way, Sutton, Surrey (0181- 393 2120) meet between the golf course and the stables, 10.30am-1pm Sun A scheme to record all the fungus varieties found on this small chalk grassland site. Last year they discovered 100 types and are expecting to find many more. The foray is led by an authority from Kew Gardens. Free

Crymlyn Burrows Glamorgan (01792 207623) meet at Jersey Marine roundabout between Swansea & Briton Ferry bridge, 10am today Led by fungi enthusiast, Teifion Davies, the aim is to teach people to identify edible mushrooms and to show them varieties to be avoided. Most people should be able to take a few home for supper. The area is also rich in wildlife. Free

Nower Wood Educational Nature Reserve B2033 between Leatherhead & Headly, Surrey, guided walks 10.30am, 2.30pm Sun, 01372 379509 for details Fungus walks and talks, plus self-guided tours of the nature reserve. Highlight will be the deadly Fly Agaric. pounds 1 car park, 50p walks