Mushrooms at Rivington! and wild gin :D

My favourite place, Rivington Terraced Gardens is a fantastic place to visit. Gardeners World came here a few years ago and talked to me about mushrooms (clip on my website at www.foresthorizons.co.uk) and as you can see from the clip it can be an amazing place for fungi. Built by industrialist and social philanthropist Lord Leverhulme with oriental structures and stunning ravines and waterfalls it was then left to go derelict for a few decades. Fortunately the Rivington Heritage Trust have invested money and a lot of time from volunteers and have restored most of the paths and renovated the water features and it is looking more stunning than I ever remember.

We will forage for berries and mushrooms. The berries are a very special one called Gaultheria shalon, Lord Leverhulme's favourite for jam making. On my radar for this location is Porcini and chanterelles (if we are lucky), Russala and Lactarius species (for some zany flavours) and some medicinal mushrooms like Turkey tails and Birch Polypore. You will also learn about the connections between the mushroom mycelium and the trees and what role each species plays in the forest, as well as how the gins are made (I will also have non alcohol versions with me). Whether you are new to it or already have a little experience, this is a fantastic learning opportunity. This is about life skills, by the end of the course you will be able to confidently identify a few basic species and know what identifications to look for in other species that interest you.

The walk is slow paced and we may only cover a distance of a mile or two, depending on how many detours we make off the beaten track. We will follow the paths but the whole garden is set on a hillside and there are a LOT of steps and the path can get muddy and slippery in places if it rains, please wear boots or wellies and bring waterproofs. The plan is to forage enough treats for a fry up and taste of wild mushrooms at the end, but bring something to nibble on for your lunch. We will stop somewhere nice for a bite part way through the forage.

What to bring: Boots. Waterproofs. Your own staff, knife and basket if you have them, don't worry if you haven't. Lunch - we will fry up and taste our finds at the end, but bring your own lunch for when we stop for a bite to eat.

Don't worry about printing tickets, I'll have your name on my list once you've booked.

Looking forward to seeing you soon, Col :D

Host or Publisher Colin Unsworth, Forest Horizons