Explore the world of fungi in our local woods with Rock & Boulder friends!

This informal walk will serve as an introductory journey towards getting to know and appreciate fungi as important allies within our (natural-cultural) ecologies. The emphasis is on multi-sensory engagement within local green spaces. 

‼️If you don’t already have the 40% off promo code, please contact me‼️

[Note this is a specific walk for the Rock & Boulder community. If you’d still like to come on a guided walk, please check out other dates open to all, published on my page! :)]

On the walk, you will have the chance to discover:

• the habitats and main tree associations of different fungi, and their ecological role;
• the basics of identification & key features of different fungi genera (groups), with an added focus on edible and poisonous species, on medicinal fungi, and on other uses. 
• foraging ethics, etiquette and laws within the UK.

We might also explore:

• the cultural histories of foraging & ways in which foraging can perform inclusively or exclusively within current systems; 
• how fungi question perceptions of ‘nature’ and the separation of the natural/unnatural & urban/rural;
• existing colonial legacies within biology and erasures of indigenous knowledge;
• kinship and community within exploitative capitalism and planetary degradation. 

Logistics/ Location:

This walk will take place at Weald Country Park in Brentwood, please ignore the indicated postcode. Exact meeting point will be confirmed via email upon booking. You will also be sent a Whatsapp group link upon booking – please join the group to facilitate communication pre and post walk for each group, to share pictures/finds and seek advice on fungi IDs.

The average walk might be around 3km, with a lunch/ snack/ rest break in the middle, and will take you through different habitats on uneven terrain. The route and pace on the day, however, will be dictated by the needs of the group. Walks will go ahead on rainy days (provided the weather conditions don’t worsen or prove unsafe).  

What to bring:

• walking shoes or boots
• weather-appropriate clothes that feel most comfortable to you (waterproofs, warmer layers, a warm hat, gloves etc.) – the forest might be slightly colder!
• bottle of water or flask with hot drink
• a snack or lunch for our break (nourishing your body with breakfast before the walk is recommended)
• a portable stool (can be provided)

• insect repellent (oregano, rosemary, citronella & thyme oils are great for diverting any unwanted tick attention). 

  I will be providing fungi ID keys/ books and hand lenses on the day.

Please contact me (email: bogdanaababii@gmail.com or Instagram DM: @fungal.kin_) if any of the above acts as a barrier to your participation or if you have any other access needs/ concerns. I might also be able to provide any missing equipment/ gear. 

My aim is to create a safe, inclusive and accessible space for anyone who is keen on entangling with fungi and learning more 🙂 Queer, anti-racist and decolonial social justice are deeply entangled within my ethics; as such, any oppressive behaviours, sexism, homophobia, racism, transphobia and ablism will not be tolerated. 

Sliding-scale pricing information:

Below is some information regarding pricing & some guidelines to help you decide how much you can afford to pay. There is one free ticket available on each walk for anyone who cannot contribute money towards the walk. Please email me (details above). 

   Consider paying the solidarity rate (+50%) if you can tick at least one or more of these boxes:

• Are employed full-time with considerable disposable income;
• Have access to savings and/or inherited money;
• You own the home in which you live;

• Working part-time/not working is a choice.

  This ticket will offer someone the chance to come on a walk that they otherwise wouldn’t afford. 

   Consider choosing a discounted rate (-50%) if you:

• Are aged 12-18;
• Are unemployed;
• Work part time/are on low income;
• Do unpaid care work;
• You support children or other dependents on one/low income;
• Do not qualify for state benefits solely due to your immigration status.

[For more information about Fungal.Kin, please visit my instagram page: @fungal.kin_ and check my pinned posts]

Ticket link