Tasmanian Mushroom Festival Field Day

The Tasmanian Mushroom Field Day is an opportunity for everyone to explore the world of fungi. Whether you're new to mushrooms or keen to deepen your understanding, the event offers education, creativity, and local produce.

We are thrilled to have Alison Pouliot, launching her new book Fungi Obscura. Alison Pouliot is an ecologist and professional environmental photographer with a focus on fungi. Her work spans both northern and southern hemispheres where she is actively involved in teaching, research and conservation. Alison is author of The Allure of Fungi, Wild Mushrooming, Underground Lovers, Fungi Obscura and Mushroom Day (in press) www.alisonpouliot.com

Alison will also be holding a talk on The Fungal Awakening, alongside the launch of her new book Fungi Obscura.

The earth’s rapidly changing climate and environmental issues have come into sharp focus through the demise of charismatic megafauna and the ‘biodiversity crisis’. But what about stinkhorns and slime moulds?

How do fungi and their kin get our attention when they’re overshadowed by more ‘popular’ organisms?

The good news is we’re in something of a ‘fungal awakening’ as fungi finally take the spotlight, nudge their way into conservation and capture the public imagination.

Over the last three decades, Alison has trawled through forests around the world, working both with fungi and their followers. In this talk Alison will explore the fungal awakening and share some stories of her adventures during the writing and photographing of her recent book, Funga Obscura – Photo Journeys Among Fungi.

Kim Ogden from Elysian Landscape & Nature Photography
will be presenting Little Wonders – The Joy and Benefits of Exploring Fungi with Children and Families

Step into the magical world beneath our feet and discover how fungi-hunting can transform the way families connect with nature — and each other. In this engaging and heartwarming talk, nature photographer Kim Ogden shares how photographing fungi can foster curiosity, creativity, mindfulness, and environmental stewardship in children and adults alike. With a blend of storytelling, science, photography and practical insights, this session invites you to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the small wonders that create lasting memories. Ideal for nature lovers, educators, parents, and anyone curious about the enchanting power of fungi.

Alana Mann, professor of Media and Communication at the University of Tasmanian will be presenting What Can Mushrooms Teach us about Communication?

Mushrooms communicate through their mycelium, an underground network of thread-like structures that enable them to spread and connect with plants. Described as “Nature’s Internet”, these networks play a crucial role in ecosystem communication. Similarly, delicate but durable webs of connection unite growers and eaters in their struggles for food sovereignty. This talk is about how communities worldwide are employing agroecological principles that demonstrate the interconnectedness of all living beings and promote practices that enhance biodiversity, soil health, and food justice.

There will be a lively discussion with panel members Alison Pouliot, Alana Mann,  Daniel Bar-Ness from Tasmanian Geographic and mycologist Tim Murch from West Tamar Fungi.

 “Do mushrooms make you more attractive” (seriously they do, just getting your attention -  the conversation will be around biodiversity and how mushrooms improve the world)

There will be kids fungi art activities - such as paint your own little timber mushroom, paint mushroom rocks, make fungi themed bookmarks, and colouring in.

There will also be the opportunity to make your own mushroom kit to take home and become your own urban farmer.

Daniel Bar-ness, Editor of Tasmanian Geographic will be on hand to answer all your fungi and big tree questions.

Taste testing of gourmet mushrooms will be occurring throughout the day.

Tunnel Hill Mushrooms and West Tamar Fungi will have all their gourmet mushrooms and mushrooms products available and talk you through the different varieties and how to grow them.

Fungi photography from Elysian Landscape and Nature Photography will be on display, along with her talk and art will be on display

Emma Bugg will have VR headsets for you to visit her MycoVerse!

You will be able to browse fresh gourmet mushrooms and a range of mushroom-based products, such as salts, tinctures, and powders at Tunnel Hill Mushrooms and West Tamar Fungi.

Plus coffee and food vans!

Programme

Kids activities run all day

10.30am – Kim Ogden from Elysian Landscape & Nature Photography

“Little Wonders – The Joy and Benefits of Exploring Fungi with Children and Families”

11am – Grow kit workshop

11.30am – Panel talk “Do mushrooms make you more attractive”

Alison Pouliot, Alana Mann, Daniel Bar-Ness and Tim Murch

1pm – Emma Bugg and her MycoVerse

1.30pm – Alison Pouliot, ecologist, author, naturalist and photographer

“Fungal Awakening, launching her new book Fungi Obscura”

2pm – Grow kit workshop

2.30pm – Alana Mann

“What Can Mushrooms Teach us about Communication”?

4pm – Conclusion

The Tasmanian Mushroom Festival Field Day invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty, science, and community spirit of fungi. Whether you come to learn, create, or simply indulge, this event promises a memorable day celebrating the magic of mushrooms.

$15 for adults, free for 16 and under.

$40 if you would like to join the Make your own Grow Kit workshop at either 11am or 2pm

A workshop to make your own mushroom grow kit! With mycologist Tim Murch from West Tamar Fungi taking you through the build and providing you with the how's, why's and where's to grow them.