Getting Started
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Join the Fungus Survey of Oxfordshire. In addition to being eligible to attend all the survey walks, there is a Newsletter and a Facebook page with daily postings of fungi in Oxfordshire: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fungusoxfordshire
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Come along on a survey walk. See the Survey Programme on this website for a list of places and dates of our walks, then contact the Secretary to get directions and let us know you are planning to come.
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Invest in a field guidebook and take it with you on your walks to study and compare any fungi you find in the field. While recently published books should be up to date with the latest scientific research, it is worth remembering that DNA analysis and scientific understanding of fungi means that family groupings and naming will change as more information becomes available. In addition, no guide can ever be totally complete and cover all known fungi. The study of fungi is dynamic so don't be down-hearted if you seem unable to identify everything you find. None of us can.
The Buckinghamshire Fungus Group has just launched a fabulous website for beginners called FOUNDATIONS IN FIELD MYCOLOGY created by Penny Cullington and Sarah-Jayne Ebdon with the help of Peter Davis their website manager. This amazing work answers so many questions and explains the basics of the world of fungi in a straightforward, easy-to-read format. It contains wonderful photographs and excellent advice on all aspects of field mycology. http://www.bucksfungusgroup.org.uk/beginners.html
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Consider courses that are available to enthusiasts of all levels of experience and don't be put off by "being out of my depth". Here are some organisations:
The British Mycological Society: https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/" is a wonderful source of information. The Society runs workshops and residential week-long forays. The BMS also maintains a Facebook page that caters for mycologists of all levels who will answer questions and help with identifications. https://www.facebook.com/groups/18843741618.
Hygrocybe conica (Blackening Waxcap)
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew: Learn about plant and fungal science: https://www.kew.org/learning/learning-at-home
The Field Studies Council (FSC) enquiries@field-studies-council.org) runs courses at various levels of fungal expertiseHygrocybe conica at their field centres. https://www.field-studies-council.org/.