Fungi Foray at Castle Howard Arboretum with Malcolm Greaves

Saturday 17 October 2026, 10am to 12pm

This month, our President Malcolm Greaves will lead a guided foray around the grounds of the Arboretum at Castle Howard. As the seasons shift, the Arboretum becomes a treasure trove of forms, colours and textures, and Malcolm will help participants find the fungi tucked among fallen leaves and along the woodland paths.

Along the way you’ll get a sense of how many species thrive in the Arboretum’s mix of trees and habitats, and you’ll pick up the field skills that help separate one look-alike from another: gill attachment, spore colour, texture, smell, and the trees each species keeps company with. You’ll also learn something of the work fungi do underground and out of sight. They break down what has fallen, feed the soil, and partner with the roots of the trees overhead.

The morning is relaxed and informative and open to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned recorder or someone who has only just started noticing mushrooms on your walks. It’s a lovely way to slow down, look closely, and see a familiar landscape differently.

Details

• When: Saturday 17 October, 10am to 12pm
• Where: Castle Howard Arboretum, York, YO60 7DA
• Cost: £22
• Booking: Tickets are available through Castle Howard’s website: Fungi Foray at the Arboretum