Eastbourne Group Talk and Walk October 2025

David Beer

Michael Blencowe’s talks are always eagerly anticipated and the large audience was treated to an amusing and informative account of a year in the life of a Sussex Naturalist, namely Michael. What a year it was as we journeyed from the cliffs of Prawle Point in South Devon to the island of St Kilda, a remote archipelago 35 miles west-north west of North Uist in the Atlantic Ocean. Stunning photographs and video clips together with historical snippets kept us all entertained.

Our October walk focused on the wonderful fungi found in Friston Forest. Janet and Jim Howell from the Seaford Natural History Society led the walk from the Litlington Road Car Park through the deciduous woodland that is dominated by mature beech trees. Our two expert mycologists identified 45 different fungal species, all within a few hundred metres of the car park. Their imaginative common names, such as Spindleshank, Wood Woollyfoot, Candlesnuff and Turkeytail added to our enjoyment as we strolled through the deep leaf litter. We learnt about the importance of mycorrhizal interactions within woodland ecosystems together with other aspects of the biology of this fascinating group of organisms. Many thanks to Janet and Jim for sharing their knowledge with us.

Find out more about the group here