3:52pm Wednesday 8th September 2010
THE secrets of the forest floor will be revealed when an academic leads nature fans on fungi treks.
The Forestry Commission has teamed up with mushroom expert Dr Gordon Beakes to run the events at sites across the country, including Hamsterley Forest near Bishop Auckland.
Dr Beakes, from Bardon Mill, is a reader in mycology at Newcastle University and when not trawling over technical papers he unwinds by spotting fungi and finding mushrooms for the pot.
For 30 years he has wandered across the North of England recording the varied species found across its countryside.
On Sunday September 26 he will share his passion with novices during two hour walks at Hamsterley Forest, starting at the visitor centre at 11am and 2.30pm.
Booking is required on 01388-488312 and the cost is £6 adults, £4 concessions and £14 for a family of four.
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