About us


Our members are all amateur enthusiasts who want to broaden their interest in fungi and to help with their conservation as they come under an increasing threat from the depletion of our woodlands and forests. Our goals are to: Observe, Identify, Record, Protect & Educate

See our latest events

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The Lodge, RSPB Sandy, Beds: field meeting 10:00 am
The Lodge, RSPB Sandy, Beds: field meeting
Apr 14 @ 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
The morning field meeting in the Reserve will start at 10am.  After lunch (please bring your own, or try the[...]
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Fir & Ponds Wood, Potters Bar, Herts: field meeting 10:00 am
Fir & Ponds Wood, Potters Bar, Herts: field meeting
Apr 28 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Diverse woodland meadow & wetlands habitats; for more info on site, see their website:  www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/fir-and-pond-woods.  Parking is in the Oshwal[...]
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Fungus Identification Group

We are a local fungi recording group affiliated to the British Mycological Society. We have about 30 members with a wide range of experience and skills, who share a particular interest in fungi and foraying for fungi. Some of us have microscopes and reference books to help with identification, some like to photograph fungi and others prefer to enjoy looking at, and sometimes putting a name to, fungi in the field. Although some of us enjoy eating fungi, as a group this is not our focus. We are also mindful that our forays are often on private land, having obtained permission from the landowner. In these cases picking for eating is often not allowed.

We are always pleased to see newcomers.  If you ever wanted an answer to the question “What are fungi?”, you couldn’t come to a better group. Why not come along to a foray and see what we do?  We are happy to welcome new members at all levels of expertise, including children accompanied by an adult.  (But if you want to bring a dog, you should check with the leader beforehand.) If you are interested in joining our group, download the form on the Join page. If you have any questions you can email us at hbfg@hotmail.co.uk

Thinking About Eating Fungi? Heed This Warning

There are many types of fungi which can be eaten safely, but there are also some extremely poisonous species. There is NO simple method by which poisonous species can be distinguished from edible ones. It cannot be emphasised strongly enough that unfamiliar fungus specimens should NOT be eaten unless they have been identified carefully and with absolute certainty by a competent mycologist. Even with familiar species, it is important to ensure material is fresh and in good condition if it is to be eaten.

Recent posts

Spring 2024 programme

Our spring programme is now in the calendar.  Note that booking is required for two of the meetings.
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Spring 2024 programme

Normal service resumed

After being out of action for a while, our website is now up & running again.  Our autumn programme is...
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Normal service resumed

Some spring fungi

Sarcosphaera coronata (Violet crowncup) Morchella esculenta (Morel) After a slow start, it looks like a good year for some of...
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Some spring fungi

Spring programme

Our Spring programme is now in the calendar on the Home Page.  Members should have received a copy by email.
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Spring programme

Hertfordshire fungi observations 2022- Kerry Robinson

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Hertfordshire fungi observations 2022- Kerry Robinson

Interesting bracket on birch

A recent photo from a Beds wood.  Always worth looking at the underside of brackets.  This is the Birch mazegill,...
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Interesting bracket on birch

Cheery autumn fungus

A welcome sight at Bricket Wood a couple of weeks ago, Amanita muscaria (Fly agaric) with a beautiful frilly ring,...
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Cheery autumn fungus

Autumn programme

The autumn programme has just been added to the calendar on the home page
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Autumn programme

Spring programme

Our spring programme is now in the calendar.  Members should have received a copy.
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Spring programme

Sandy siltball

The strange fungus Battarrea phalloides was found near Ware in early December.  Previously very rare, it is now turning up...
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Sandy siltball