This ancient semi-natural woodland is the richest site for fungi in Hertfordshire and is recognised nationally as an Important Fungus Area – site 61 in the preliminary assessment of the best sites in the United Kingdom.  Records of fungi start in 1990 and record 750 species.  After a gap of several years we were delighted to resume our visits last year.  The wood is off the A602 southeast of Stevenage; the meeting / parking place is a car park on a small industrial estate (SG2 7EG; TL277222), from which the wood is about 200m walk along a lane.  If approaching along the A602, turn off near Bragbury End, heading north, drive along Aston Lane, then sharp right just outside Aston, down Astonbury Lane, and the parking is on your left.  Or from Aston, leave on Aston Lane, almost immediately turn left down Astonbury Lane, and the parking is on your left. 

Leader:  Kerry Robinson