Cherry Wood Adventures

13/09/2026

Sorry, it's the time of year when every other post is about fungi...

It's still too dry for most easily noticeable fungi, like a Fly Agaric, but the cups are popping up.
You often see the green mycelium of Green Elf Cup in dead oak wood, all year round in fact, but its cute little cups appear in autumn.
Whilst looking for more Hairy Nuts Discos, (success!) I found some Fluted Bird's Nest Fungus. You can see where the little 'eggs' or spore sacs were. The nests are about 1cm across. Aren't they lovely?
And something a bit easier to spot, some Golden Scalycap growing in an old woodpecker hole in an Ash tree.
Sorry, I get a bit excited by my annual treasure hunt!
Come and see...
www.cherrywoodadventures.co.uk/events

12/09/2026

Found a new fungus at the Bluebell Wood yesterday, one I'd never seen before. I wouldn't have thought to look on last year's Sweet Chestnut shells, if it wasn't for a post from the naturalist Graeme Lyons, (who is documenting his search for 6000 different species in the UK during 2026.)

It has THE best name. Hairy Nuts Disco.

Not making it up! Its scientific name is Lanzia echinophila (beacuse it loves growing on spines). Discos are a kind of flattened cup fungi, you get many kinds, including the quite common Lemon Disco. This one specifically likes nut cases that are hairy/spiny and can also be found on Turkey Oak acorn cups.

Come and find these and many more shapes and colours at one of the fungus events I am running this year - 'Fungal Foray' with Bates Green Garden on 1st October; 'Fascinate' adult afternoon group on 9th October; or 'Family Fungus Hunt' in half-term, 30th October.
Details at www.cherrywoodadventures.co.uk/events

02/09/2026

There are a few spaces now available at the Friday woodland playgroup, Bluebell Club.
Now in its 13th year, this group is enjoyed just as much by the grown-ups as the children! A different theme each week, with wildlife spotting, books, games and crafts, plus time to sit and chat with a tea or coffee. All in the beautiful private woodland at Arlington Bluebell Walk.
More info at www.cherrywoodadventures.co.uk/bluebell-club and email [email protected] to book or for questions.

Bluebell Club is a woodland playgroup for children aged 2-4, together with their grown-ups. ​​ There are a handful of places available currently. There is also space on the Acorn...

29/08/2026

This gentle rain is perfect to soak into the soil and regenerate the threads of fungi.
Time to brush up my knowledge of some of the varied species we will find this year.

A few options for you:

Spend a whole day in Arlington, with one of the Bates Green Garden Workshops. Fungal Foray 1st October. I will take you on a 2 hour exploration of the ancient woodland, after which there is coffee and cake. Stay all day and explore the beautiful gardens and woodland. You can take home the bespoke reference guide.
Details at www.batesgreengarden.co.uk/workshops.html

During half-term, on 30th October, I am running a family-friendly fungus hunt with spotters and guides (and biscuits!) If there is enough interest, I can add an adults and older children session too on this day.

And on Friday 9th October, one of the Woodland Ways sessions, "Fascinate", has a fungus focus. Only 4 spaces left on this one.
It also includes Philippa's Seasonal Kitchen with one of her recipes for us to try. Can't wait!

See www.cherrywoodadventures.co.uk/events

15/08/2026

New at The Nest! Our farmland space has become "The Warren", full of interesting and interconnected people and places. We are having an open day on Saturday 12th September, 3-8pm, where you can try out the new Sauna, visit the new Roundhouse, join a yoga session, visit the FOLDE + SONDER Treatment Studio and hang out with me to make autumn wreaths and natural cordage.
Let us know you are coming, so we can save you a space on the free sessions - see

Let us know if you would like to come, and we can book you into the free activities. ​Use the QR code above or click here to RSVP.

09/08/2026

Dew on the grass at sunrise, Robins singing again - autumn is nudging at the edges, new plans forming.
Autumn school holiday events are now available to book - www.cherrywoodadventures.co.uk/events . More adventures are in the planning :) 🍂🍁🦇

04/08/2026

Little mice scampered off to enjoy the dappled sunshine in the woods.
Kind children made tiny box houses for them. The mice loved them so much that some of them curled up and fell asleep.
The children took them home for more adventures.

[This is my job!]

We did learn about sweet chestnut flowers, hornets, cherry stones and cherry trees, the soft moss and how to construct an instant wigwam, but shh, don't tell the children.
We just had fun with little mice!

02/08/2026

My fingers are blackberry-stained, the Rowan tree droops with berries - autumn is just nudging us to remember that this summer sun won't last forever...
With only a handful of spaces left on the summer events, I thought I would ask everyone what they might fancy doing in the autumn and winter holidays?
I always enjoy doing "Room on the Broom", and I made a note that I should do two Family Fungus walks this year, one for younger children and one for adults and older children.
Autumn is a great time of year for crafting things for parties, or I could do a Chestnut Celebration, making the most of the woodland harvest, and learning to work with chestnut wood too.

What else? Meg and Mog for the little ones? Something creative for older ones? I'd love to have your ideas.

The wreath-making workshops have been advertised for a while, and have a few places left.
I will run a post-Christmas family event, probably based on a folklore theme, or turning of the seasons. Let me know if there is something specific you would enjoy.

I'm just off for an early morning amble, for I do love the sunshine and warmth, despite all this autumn planning!

31/07/2026

Stunning day in the woods. Happy Sarah.
Some great pond dipping finds, including a water scorpion, darter and hawker dragonfly nymphs, a caddis fly larva (twisted grass on legs!) Ramshorn snails, and a teeny tiny newt.
Then a magical treasure hunt, complete with treasure chests, message in a bottle, and some beautiful natural treasures including the stunning blue of a Jay feather.