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Did you know that a simple walk in nature can have positive effects on your family’s physical and mental health?
Join 9-year-old Flora on an outdoor adventure and explore the wonders of the wild!
Spending time outdoors is a great way to connect as a family, and connect to nature. There’s so many activities to try – but sometimes, nothing beats a simple walk in the woods!
Not only has walking in nature been shown to have a positive affect on our physical and mental health, but the wonders of the wild can be magical for children.
Join 9-year-old fungi enthusiast Flora, as she explains, in her own words, the wonders of the fungus kingdom!
Flora writes:
As we excitedly walked into the dark enclosed woods, we hopped over the rotting fence and immediately found our first fungi of the day. I carefully plucked the unique mushroom out of the rich soil.
As mum identified the specimen I looked around and noticed another mushroom. It reminded me of a damp cloud but they are meant to look like a fairy saddle. It is called a White Saddle.
Mum told me that the other mushroom was a Saffron-drop Bonnet, I love these fungi because when you tear the cap it looks like it is bleeding sunshine.
Find out more about fungus species here.
We walked on scanning the floor as we crunched amongst the leaf litter. As we headed back onto the path something red caught our eye.
As we hurried back into the woods we were astonished to see a perfect ring of Fly Agarics, these fairy-like toadstools are rare for us to find.
Interesting fungi aren’t always pretty though, this is especially the case with the Ugly Milkcap, which is named because when you rip the gills it oozes a whiteish milky substance.
The fungi are grimy, gross and disgusting. They are muddy brown coloured too.
Learn more about the fungi kingdom here.
Did you know not all fungi are found attached to the ground? The Collared Earthstar is often overlooked. These mysterious fungi are formed of a puffball-shaped centre and star-like projections.
Just as we thought we were done fungi finding for the day we came across large clumps of pinkish -purple and yellow fungi. I knew straight away what they were, the delicious sounding (not for eating though) Plums and Custard.
What a successful woodland walk we had!
Discover the magical world of the UK’s wonderful wild plants and fungi with our wildflower walks, fun activities and fresh ideas on how you can connect with nature near you.
