Field Events

The BMS field events programme consists of a series of short tutor led workshops and longer forays based in a particular location.

Field Meetings and Forays

The BMS organises at least two week-long field meetings each year, one in the spring and one in the autumn. Meetings are arranged in different localities around the UK. They are aimed at experienced field mycologists who wish to find and record the fungi in a particular geographic area, in a variety of habitats, and contribute to our knowledge of the distribution and ecology of fungi in the UK.

Typically, the programme for a field meeting includes daily excursions to record and collect fungi, at sites that have been pre-selected and contacted for permission. Participants return to a workroom during the afternoon, to examine and identify their finds using reference material and microscopes. Identified finds are added to a display table to view and discuss. The programme may include lectures or discussions led by experienced individuals. Records made during field meetings are added to the Fungal Records Database of Britain and Ireland and samples are contributed to the national collections of fungi at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew as well as other fungaria.

BMS field meetings aim to be friendly and inclusive. They provide a great opportunity for people to share their expertise and discuss interesting finds. However, no formal teaching is provided, and participants are expected to be able to use a microscope and have experience of identifying fungi using books, keys and online resources. As such, the meetings are not suitable for absolute beginners, who would benefit more from enhancing their skill levels by joining a local fungus group. The BMS also periodically organises workshops for beginners who can then move on to join the week-long field meetings once they have gained enough experience.

BMS Workshops 

Workshops provide an opportunity to learn about a particular group of fungi in a small group, classroom style environment with a tutor chosen not only for their mycology expertise but also for their skills in tutoring people with all levels of experience. Workshops are held indoors and combine talks, examination of fresh or dried fungi brought by the tutor, and individual study and tuition as appropriate.  In some cases, a short foray may be included.  Workshops usually involve microscopy, and attendees are asked to bring their own microscopes and other equipment. (Some equipment may be provided, depening on the level of the workshop - please check the event details).  Numbers are limited, usually to no more than 25 participants.

Local groups

In addition to the events organised by the BMS, local affiliated Recording Groups have their own programmes of events.  These are suited to various levels. Local groups are the ideal first contact point for beginners and those new to mycology. 

Diversity and Equality

All meetings will adhere to the BMS policy on Diversity and Equality