Who are we?

We are a group of enthusiastic individuals from all disciplines...who share some common goals. We believe in the preservation of the environment, in bio-diversity, in the protection of endangered species....and in having fun! There is no field of endeavour which so perfectly encapsulates all of these interests than mycology...the study of FUNGI. Our group is affiliated to the British Mycological Society and is a member of the Association of British Fungus Groups. We meet throughout the year for forays, workshops and social events... and we thoroughly enjoy the challenge involved in increasing our understanding of the natural world. We visit some beautiful locations (and some not so beautiful!) throughout the North East, from Northumberland to North Yorkshire. Whilst foraying we identify and record our finds, aided by some true experts in the field, for ultimate inclusion in the BMS national database. This is a serious function of our group which we all feel is an essential aid to the understanding of this as yet little researched subject. There is a great deal to do, but the only way forward is by harnessing the enthusiasm of the " grass-roots" members of similar groups throughout the United Kingdom and indeed the world!

Now for some home-grown statistics.

The NEFSG was formed in 1997 by Alan Legg. Alan has spent many years studying and painstakingly recording the local fungi. His expertise in the field in undisputed, except by him, and he has striven to bring scientific discipline to a group which even now is slightly top-heavy with enthusiasm! It is a slow but enjoyable experience as members join us and find themselves captivated by the gentle and good humoured learning process. There is scope, too, for the serious mycologist, whom we welcome wholeheartedly. We are always on the lookout for new members as our society is a broad church with wide levels of expertise. We ask only that your interest is genuine and that your wish to improve sincere.

Currently we have about 60 members who happily divest themselves of £6-00 P/A for full membership. Couples can join for £8-00 P/A. We publish a newsletter on a quarterly basis in which the membership can express their views, have short articles published, submit photographs and by its receipt feel that they are part of a thriving community, even if unable to attend all the yearly events. To contact the membership secretary for further details click here.

Apart from the forays and microscopy workshops we have an Annual General Meeting which is well attended and gives members an opportunity to become involved with the running of their Group.

Of course, the real work is in the collecting, identifying and recording of our foray finds. The latter two functions involve a considerable effort and commitment....our database records now exceed 20,000. By joining us you become part of a much larger organisation with global roots. Your membership can make a real difference to our understanding of the distribution and population of fungi in the North East of England