IAL post-conference Excursion

The characteristic mycological habitats on Royal Deeside, NE Scotland

A foray / workshop combining early season foraying with consideration of how best to manage and survey these habitats for their fungi.

Friday 6 August – Monday 9 August 2010 (NB: leaving mid afternoon on the Friday and thus missing the closing ceremony and Congress dinner on the Friday evening)

Cost around £350.00 (£250.00 if willing to share a twin room); max number 25.

Led by: Professor Roy Watling, Dr Andy Taylor, Professor Ian Alexander and Liz Holden

For further information and booking contact Liz Holden (liz@marmycology.co.uk). Bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis.

The River Dee rises amongst the high tops of the Cairngorm Mountains and then flows eastward towards the North Sea, running through a delightful river valley of contrasting habitats and scenery and location of the summer residence of the British Royal Family. This event will be based in Braemar, a historic village situated in the middle of the Cairngorms National Park and built around the confluence of the River Dee and the Clunie Water. Field trips will investigate some of the nearby habitats that characterise this area, including oak woodland, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and Calluna vulgaris heathlands, semi-improved grasslands and areas of semi-natural birch and pine woodland.

Workspace and microscopes will be available. August can be rather early for fungal fruiting in Scotland but if the weather gods are kind to us, we are certain to find interesting species during the site visits. The opportunity will also be taken to consider how best to manage and survey these habitats for their fungi.

Location: Invercauld Arms Hotel, Braemar, built on the site where the Standard of Rebellion was raised by the Jacobites in 1715. All rooms are en suite and all food will be provided by the hotel, including packed lunches for field trips.

Transport: a coach will convey the attendees to and from Edinburgh