Fungi forays at Loch Leven this weekend

Apart from thousands of pink-footed geese returning from Iceland, mysterious mushrooms and toadstools are emerging from the undergrowth.

These organisms are important recyclers of rotting material in woodlands throughout the world.

With a variety on display at Loch Leven, the fungi forays have proved popular over the past couple of years. So Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) reserve staff have teamed up with Richard Smith from the British Mycological Society to provide a guided walk.

The walk will take place from Findatie car park, meeting at 2pm on Sunday 28 September. Water proofs and stout footwear are recommended for the walk, which will last around 2-3 hours.

Craig Nisbet, the reserve officer, said: “This will be an excellent opportunity for people to familiarise themselves with the diversity of fungi on display, and will help in terms of searching and identifying when out on a walk. The meeting is also a good opportunity to meet volunteers working on the reserve, and is open to all.”