If you’re curious about the functional power of mushrooms and how to weave them into your daily life, this immersive day workshop is designed for you.
On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with an uplifting, powerhouse lion’s mane cacao or coffee, along with the chance to mingle, chat, and settle into the space. Once everyone is comfortable, we’ll dive into the fascinating history and folklore of medicinal mushrooms, exploring how they’ve been revered for centuries, particularly within Eastern traditions. You’ll discover their long-standing role in traditional medical practice, and how modern Western medicine is only just beginning to recognise their potential, often still with a touch of hesitation.
After a short break, where you’ll sample some delicious mushroom-based treats, you’ll hear from Andy, one of Dorset's most knowledgeable foragers and founder of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms, as he shares the exciting developments happening within his work. He’ll talk about the importance of protecting our native species, why he prioritises them over imported varieties, and the incredible health benefits of the mushrooms that grow all around us.
Next, we’ll head into the woods to see what the season has to offer. April isn’t peak fungi time, but Andy’s keen eye almost always finds something of interest. He’ll guide you through the dos and don’ts of foraging, how to spot different species, the best times to look, how to handle your finds, and what to do with them once you’re home.
After our woodland wander, we’ll return to Happy River for a nourishing, fungi-inspired lunch. You’ll learn about the health benefits of the dishes you’re enjoying, as well as simple ways to recreate them at home, and how each ingredient can support your wellbeing.
Once you’re comfortably fed, it’s time to inoculate your own log, which will continue to produce delicious mushrooms over the next two growing seasons and beyond. Andy will walk you through the process of growing your own mushrooms, the equipment you’ll need, common pitfalls, and how to avoid them. You’ll also learn how to dry and preserve mushrooms, which forms carry the greatest health benefits, and how to make your own preparations so you don’t have to rely on expensive, and often unreliable supplements.
To round off the day, Andy will teach you how to make a dual-extracted tincture using one of our common, highly beneficial native bracket fungi. You’ll even take your own tincture home with you.
Throughout the day, you’ll explore the environmental significance of fungi and how we can all play our part in responsible foraging and protecting these incredible organisms. You’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge, a deep appreciation for the fungal world, and a sense of connection to your food, to the forest, and to the people you’ve shared this immersive experience with.
Enjoy 10% off with early bird tickets available until 31st December 2025
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