Macrofungi Identification
Friday 19 September 2008
Location: Bath
Participant Standard: Intermediate
Tutor(s): Justin Smith
Participants will learn how to use intermediate keys to identify macrofungi to genus and species. There will be some microscope work by illustration of features, and use of specialist and monographic literature. Further work will look at ecology and management of sites for fungi.
Further information
This workshop will cover:
- introduction to macro-fungal biology and identification
- techniques for surveying for macrofungi
- collecting fungi in the field for later identification
- timings for surveys
- ecology and habitat requirements
- using keys for fungal identification
- fungal conservation
- assessing and managing sites for macro-fungal diversity
- identifying common macro-fungal classes, orders and families
- use of microscopic techniques for macro-fungal identification
- use of chemical techniques for macro-fungal identification
- use of specialist literature
The day will include a visit to a suitable site with a range of macro-fungal species, differences between macro- and micro-fungi, using keys to identification, a guide to commonly encountered species, ecological requirements and management for fungal diversity. Participants will also be introduced to available literature and specialist monographs used for the identification of fungi.
Who should attend this workshop?
Environmental consultants, ecologists and conservation volunteers alike looking to increase their knowledge of macro-fungal identification.
Bring with you:
- Mushrooms by Roger Phillips (2006 edition or 1981 edition)
- Mushrooms and Toadstools of Britain and Europe( Collins Field Guide 1995) by R. Courtecuisse and B.Duhem.
- British Puffballs, Earthstars & Stinkhorns by D.Pegler et al (Kew Pubs. 1995)
- Limited copies will be available for consultation on the day.
- A microscope is useful, as only one is available on the day for illustration of features
- Hand Lens: x10, x15 or x20.
- Notebook and pen
- Outdoor clothing and boots.
What will participants learn from the workshop (learning outcomes)?
- How to identify macro-fungi to Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species
- How to survey for macro-fungi
- How to use specialist keys
- How to use a microscope and chemicals for macro-fungal identification
- How to keep a fungal herbarium
- Why some fungi are protected species
Programme:
10:00 Workshop start, Health and Safety briefing
10:05 Introduction to macro-fungi, identification guides and specialist literature.
11:00 Tea/Coffee Break
11:15 Field work: introduction to species in the field/sample collection
13:00 Lunch
13:30 Practical session in identification and using keys, microscopic techniques and using chemicals
for identification.
15:45 Debrief
16:00 Finish, collect feedback forms and give out CPD certificates
Cost: £60 IEEM members, £120 non-members.