October is the month for foraging in the woods looking for fungi, and unless you are an expert, it is best to do so in the company of a forest ranger. On Saturday 17th October, the Rangers at Sherwood Forest will be going in search of the common and not so common fungi which are found lurking within the ancient woodlands. The walk will begin at 10.30am and pre-booking is essential on 01623 823202. Prices are £3 for adults and £1.50 for children, car parking £3.
On 27th and 31st October you can join expert Patrick Harding in Sherwood Pines, for a talk and walk on how to find and identify various fungi. The afternoon will be a mixture of classroom based learning and forays into the forest to learn about edible and non edible fungi, medicinal uses, folklore and cooking tips. Places are limited so please ring to book on 01623 821459.
Clumber Park are having a ‘Fabulous Fungi’ day on 4th October when you can learn all about the 700 recorded species of fungi in Clumber Park. Admission to the park is £6.80 per car. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park
October is also the month for celebrating the apple, and in particular the Nottinghamshire grown Bramley Apple. Southwell is the home of the Bramley and on Saturday 24th October, the town celebrates with the Bramley Apple Festival. The Minster is hosting a ‘Festival of Food and Drink’ with stands, cookery demonstrations and apple displays. Events are also taking place in other buildings and businesses in the town including the Archbishop’s Palace and Southwell library. There will be children’s craft and cookery activities, apple printing, the Bramley Apple Painting Competition Exhibition, and the Apple Pie Competition. Visit The Workhouse in Southwell for apple-themed activities including tales from The Workhouse storytellers. Join an apple tour or have a go at creating the longest apple peel. Full details on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/theworkhouse
Clumber Park is also joining in with the Apple Celebrations. On the weekend of 10th & 11th October they will have apple variety tastings, apple games, apple juicing, apple themed tours of the garden and produce for sale to celebrate Clumber’s National Collection of Apples.
