Fantastic fungi fun at Dunkeld beauty spot
Nature enthusiasts are being invited to explore the hidden wonders and wildlife of The Hermitage.
The National Trust for Scotland’s rangers are looking forward to hosting a‘Fantastic Fungi’day at the Dunkeld beauty spot on Saturday, September 23.
The event will see a walk and talk around The Hermitage with some of the trust’s Perthshire rangers, who will help keen visitors try to identify different species of fungi at the site, as well as helpful hints and tips on spotting the fungi for themselves.
The rangers will also be on hand with stories of the fascinating legends and folklore stories about the appearance and the names of the fungi at The Hermitage, with those on the day getting the chance to forage for some fungi species themselves.
Hannah Paterson, a Perthshire ranger for the National Trust for Scotland, who are responsible for the maintenance and biological monitoring of The Hermitage, said:“The Fantastic Fungi event will inspire people to go out and take a closer look at the living organisms that surround them and give them the tools they need to take this interest further if they wish.
“It’s important that people are educated on the beautiful woodlands and the various species that live in them so they can better understand and respect these places.”
She adds their summer holiday club has been particularly inspiring. She continued: “It’s beneficial to start this type of education young - this is why we have held the Nature Nippers Club throughout the summer, to educate young children on the types of species found in the woodlands, from trees, birds and animals, to the fantastic world of fungi.
“We encourage people of all ages to come along to our events to learn about and enjoy what our wonderful woodlands have to offer.”
Next weekend’s Fantastic Fungi event is open to all and is suitable for children over the age of eight, with a similar fungi event also planned for Thursday, October 12.
The guided walk and talk around The Hermitage will begin at 10.30am until 12.30pm, cost for adults is £5 and for children £3, meeting at the The Hermitage’s lower car park off Old Military Road. For younger explorers there us a Squirrel Scampers event on Tuesday, October 10 for six to 12 year olds to enjoy. The falls at The Hermitage, near Dunkeld