π All Things Fungi Festival 2025
The UK's Premier Mushroom & Mycology Celebration
π― Festival Alert from Zombie Mushrooms!
Don't miss the UK's most comprehensive fungi festival! Perfect for both beginners and seasoned mycologists. π§βοΈ
π Essential Festival Information
π Location: Chiddinglye Estate, East Grinstead, United Kingdom
ποΈ Dates: Friday, September 12 - Sunday, September 14, 2025
πͺ Festival Type: Educational, Family-Friendly, Outdoor
π² Setting: Ancient Woodland & Sussex Countryside
π Comprehensive Festival Overview
The All Things Fungi Festival 2025 stands as the United Kingdom's premier celebration of mycological wonder, bringing together enthusiasts, experts, and curious minds for an unforgettable weekend immersion into the fascinating world of fungi. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Chiddinglye Estate's ancient woodland in the rolling Sussex countryside, this festival represents a unique convergence of science, nature, and community.
What makes this festival extraordinary is its comprehensive approach to fungi education and appreciation. From beginner-friendly mushroom identification workshops to advanced microscopy sessions, the event caters to every level of mycological interest. The festival's location on the edge of ancient woodland provides an authentic natural laboratory where attendees can observe fungi in their native habitats while learning from some of the world's most respected mycologists.
The festival emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, offering attendees the opportunity to develop practical skills in mushroom cultivation, spore printing, agar preparation, and microscopic examination. Beyond the educational components, the event features UV night walks that reveal the hidden fluorescent properties of certain fungi species, creating an almost magical after-dark experience that few other festivals can match.
π Why This Festival Stands Out
- Authentic Setting: Ancient woodland provides natural fungi habitat
- Expert Faculty: World-renowned mycologists and researchers
- Hands-On Learning: Practical workshops and live demonstrations
- Community Focus: Networking opportunities with fellow enthusiasts
- Unique Experiences: UV night walks and microscopy sessions
π€ Distinguished Speaker Lineup
Merlin Sheldrake
Biologist, Explorer & Storyteller
Merlin Sheldrake stands as one of the world's most influential voices in contemporary mycology, bringing the hidden world of fungi into public consciousness through his groundbreaking research and compelling storytelling. As a biologist with a PhD from Cambridge University, Sheldrake has dedicated his career to exploring the intricate relationships between fungi and the natural world.
His bestselling book "Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures" has revolutionized how both scientists and the general public understand fungal networks and their crucial role in ecosystem health. Sheldrake's research focuses on the fascinating world of mycorrhizal networksβthe underground fungal connections that link forest plants and trees in complex communication systems.
At the festival, attendees can expect Sheldrake to reveal the astonishing discoveries about fungal intelligence, their role in climate change mitigation, and their potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. His presentations combine rigorous scientific research with accessible explanations that make complex mycological concepts understandable to all audiences.
Dr. Andy Letcher
Psychedelic Ecology Researcher & Activist
Dr. Andy Letcher represents a unique intersection of academic rigor and environmental activism, specializing in the groundbreaking field of psychedelic ecology. With a background in both religious studies and environmental science, Letcher explores how psychedelic fungi can contribute to ecological awareness and environmental healing.
His research investigates the relationship between psychedelic experiences and ecological consciousness, examining how fungi-based medicines can foster deeper connections with nature and promote environmental stewardship. Letcher's work bridges the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary psychedelic research, offering insights into how ancient wisdom can inform modern environmental challenges.
Festival attendees will benefit from Letcher's expertise in both the scientific and cultural aspects of psychedelic fungi, including their historical use in various cultures and their potential role in addressing the current environmental crisis. His presentations offer a thoughtful examination of how fungi can serve as both teachers and healers in our relationship with the natural world.
π’ More Speakers to Be Announced!
The festival organizers are continually adding distinguished speakers to the lineup. Stay tuned for announcements of additional mycologists, researchers, and fungi enthusiasts who will share their expertise throughout the weekend. π―
π― Festival Activities & Experiences
π οΈ Hands-On Workshops
- Mushroom Identification: Learn to identify common and rare species
- Cultivation Techniques: Master the art of growing mushrooms
- Agar Preparation: Essential skills for mycological research
- Spore Printing: Create beautiful and scientific spore prints
- Microscopy Sessions: Explore fungi at the cellular level
π² Nature Experiences
- Guided Forays: Expert-led mushroom hunting expeditions
- UV Night Walks: Discover fluorescent fungi after dark
- Habitat Exploration: Learn about fungal ecosystems
- Photography Sessions: Capture stunning fungi images
- iNaturalist Recording: Contribute to citizen science
π€ Community & Culture
- Mycology Meetups: Network with fellow enthusiasts
- Live Music: Enjoy performances in natural settings
- Art Installations: Fungi-inspired creative works
- Culinary Experiences: Mushroom-focused dining
- Vendor Marketplace: Discover fungi-related products
π Community Mycology Area
The festival features a dedicated drop-in mycology area where attendees can engage with hands-on activities at their own pace. This informal learning space allows participants to:
- Clone Species: Learn tissue culture techniques with species found on-site
- Agar Pouring: Master sterile technique for growing fungi
- Microscopy Prep: Prepare slides for detailed fungal examination
- Skill Progression: Work toward advanced "Myco Goblin" certification levels
- Digital Documentation: Use free Wi-Fi to upload findings to iNaturalist
- Social Networking: Connect with mycologists while enjoying Sentia Spirits
ποΈ Accommodation & Logistics
The festival offers comprehensive on-site accommodation options designed to enhance the immersive experience while providing comfort and convenience for all attendees. The Chiddinglye Estate provides a unique opportunity to stay directly within the festival grounds, maximizing your time in this fungi-rich environment.
ποΈ Camping Options
Traditional camping spaces for those who want to connect with nature. Bring your own tent and enjoy the authentic outdoor experience.
π Campervan Pitches
Designated areas for campervans and RVs with convenient access to facilities and festival activities.
βΊ Bell Tents
Pre-erected bell tents for those seeking camping comfort without the setup hassle.
π Glamping Pods
Luxury glamping pods offering premium comfort while maintaining connection to the natural environment.
πͺ Festival Highlights & Expectations
The All Things Fungi Festival 2025 promises to be the most comprehensive mycological gathering in the UK, offering an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the world of fungi. Set within the ancient woodland of Chiddinglye Estate, attendees will experience fungi in their natural habitat while learning from world-class experts.
π Festival Highlights
π¬ Scientific Excellence
World-renowned mycologists, cutting-edge research presentations, and hands-on laboratory experiences.
π Unique Experiences
UV night walks revealing fluorescent fungi, microscopy sessions, and spore printing workshops.
π€ Community Building
Networking opportunities, collaborative learning, and connections with fellow fungi enthusiasts.
π¨ Cultural Elements
Live music, art installations, culinary experiences, and creative workshops celebrating fungi culture.
π§βοΈ Zombie Mushrooms Recommends
As fellow fungi enthusiasts, we highly recommend the All Things Fungi Festival for anyone serious about mycology. This event perfectly combines scientific education with hands-on experiences, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced cultivators.
"The perfect blend of education, community, and pure fungal magic. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your mycological knowledge in one of the UK's most beautiful natural settings!"
β οΈ Important Festival Information
- Duration: Full weekend event - plan for 3 days of intensive learning
- Weather: September in Sussex can be variable - bring appropriate outdoor clothing
- Skill Levels: Activities cater to all levels from complete beginners to advanced mycologists
- Booking: Advanced booking recommended due to limited capacity
- Equipment: Some specialized equipment provided, but bring notebooks and cameras
π Festival Information & Booking
For the most up-to-date information on tickets, accommodation, and festival schedule, visit the official festival website or follow their social media channels for announcements.
π Compiled by Zombie Mushrooms - Your trusted partner in mycological adventures π§βοΈ
