Nature Queerdos: Mushroom Meander with Maud

Our first event sold out in less than 24 hours so we thought we'd create a second one for all you fungi freaks out there!

Autumn is nudging into winter, the leaves have fallen, the temperature dropped. Conditions are now ripe for the composters, decayers, recyclers of the natural world to transform from their underground mycelial structures into their fruiting bodies. Bursting through the soil or tree-trunk to unleash their spores into the wind, in hope of finding new fertile ground and mates to begin again anew.

In other words…it’s MUSHROOM SEASON!

What: Together, we will wander through the woods searching for fungi on a mobility scooter/powerchair accessible route. We'll learn about fungi identification, their edible and medicinal properties, sustainable harvesting and explore their queerness and teachings. A foraged fungi snack will be provided.
Please note - this is an identification/education walk, not a fill your basket with edibles event. Fungi and fickle and can be elusive but there are always trees and plants to gawp at too!

When: Arrive at 2.15pm for prompt 2.30pm start. Finish at 5pm.

Where: Oldbury Court Car Park

Please bring: 

* Weather and woodland appropriate footwear and clothing
* Something to sit on
* A cup and spoon
* Pen and notebook (not obligatory!)
* Your own water/food.

This event is part of a two year programme funded by Bristol City Council as part of the Bristol Impact Fund.

Access:

* If you need a personal assistant/carer they can come for free.
* If the cost of transport is a barrier for you, we have a limited amount of funding to cover costs. Please email us at least a week in advance if you would like assistance with this. 

Mobility:

* This event is suitable for powerchair and mobility scooter users. As it is an outdoor route, some paved paths may be slightly uneven and rough in places so may be more difficult for self propelled wheelchair users. If you require more detailed information about the path or route please email [email protected] and we can share photos/videos so that you can make an informed decision. 
* We will be slowly walking/rolling, with frequent stops for the duration of the workshop. 
* If you struggle to stand consider bringing something to sit on (picnic blanket, portable stool etc). 
* The pace will be slow with options to take rests as needed; however there are limited benches/formal seating areas within the woods.
* There are wheelchair accessible toilets at Oldbury Court car park. 

Mental health/illness and neurodivergence:

* Come as you are! It’s always OK to take breaks away from the group if needed, wear headphones, stim etc. 
* Please let us know if you would like a plan of timings and activities or need anything else to engage. 

For any access related needs or queries please email: [email protected] 

Ticket info:

We operate as a not for profit and whilst we have some funding, much of our work is voluntary- please consider supporting us to continue by paying what you can afford.

PA tickets - free- email us and we'll send you a link.

2x No income = £0+ - pay what you can afford (PWYCA) - please consider carefully if this is truly all you can afford.

5x Low income = £5+ pwyca

5x Standard rate =  £10+ (suggested minimum price)

5x Resourced/supporter rate = £15+ (buying one of these enables someone else to come for lower cost)

All tickets have the option of additional donation - please support us if you can!

Refund/cancellation:

Tickets are non-refundable, except following cancellation by the organisers. We will operate a wait-list once sold out to allow transfers. 

Who we are:

Nature Queerdos is a Community Interest Company (not for profit) created by and for LGBTQIA+ people with a passion for enhancing well-being through nature and creativity. Together we will explore our local (ish) green spaces, learn about the edible, medicinal and practical uses of plants growing there, engage in well-being practices, and create something special together with whatever is in abundance that can be sustainably gathered. Our focus is on creating a friendly, inclusive and accessible experience for the queer community. 

Follow us on instagram: nature_queerdos or facebook: nature queerdos: forage and make. 

MAUD!

Maud is a mushroom nerd with an extensive knowledge about the fungi which we can find when out and about. She began roaming Bristol’s forests every Autumn whilst at University since 2020, then began regularly leading mushroom walks in the autumn, particularly with large groups of students every week for the University of Bristol Mycological Society.

Maud's enthusiasm for mushroom identification is catching, "so let’s all freak out and gawk at some shrooms together"! Everyone should go on a mushroom walk with Maud in their lifetime.