Fungi foray at Kingsdale Head

This tour is a chance to explore the Kingdom of Fungi living at Kingsdale head.

Thinking about the open grassland at Kingsdale you might think about colourful wildflowers and grazing Galloway cattle but that is not all that is to be found here. At this time of year when the wildflowers have gone over just as colourful and just as beautiful organisms can start to be seen in the meadows and woodlands.

The undisturbed, unfertilised mossy grasslands here lend themselves to great displays of Waxcap fungi in particular. Guided by an expert we will explore the range of colourful fungi found in our grasslands and woodlands, discus the importance of fungi in the ecosystem and why we are quite proud of the diversity of fungi found here.

Other details.

This is walking tour on a hilly, boggy upland farm and a reasonable level of fitness is required.

We will walk at moderate pace with frequent stops to experience the site and discuss what we are seeing. A good level of fitness is best to cope with walking on uneven ground and steep inclines. There are a number of steep slopes.

Walking distance: 2-4 km

The tour will go ahead in most weather conditions. Kingsdale Head is pretty wet even at the driest of times and we will be walking across bog and wet areas. Trousers, sleeve-length tops and robust shoes are required in all weathers, as the ground is uneven and there is tall vegetation. In wet or cold weather, a warm waterproof coat and wellington boots are required.

Suitable for Children 12 and over.

Tea, coffee and water will be available at the end of the tour.