How we started

At the beginning of the 1990s the interest in seeking out and identifying mushrooms and toadstools in the UK saw a strong increase due to the highly successful Channel 4 TV series, Mushroom Magic. The ABFG was founded in 1996 by Michael Jordan, the writer and presenter of the series who is also author of books on fungi including the Encyclopedia of Fungi of Britain and Europe. The Association is committed to bringing more people into amateur mushroom hunting.

Who are we For?

As an organisation we serve local groups but despite its title the ABFG is based on individual membership for anyone who wants to explore the world of fungi whether on their own or as part of a group of like-minded people. We look after many of the interests of foray groups in the United Kingdom, including free inclusion in our Public Liability Insurance cover as an ABFG membership benefit. Our aim is to support amateur enthusiasts at all stages of the 'learning curve' in their foraying and other activities concerned with fungi.

The ABFG is also closely involved with conservation. We work with Plantlife International and the Fungus Conservation Forum and with other organisations. The ABFG has been involved in the preparation of the Conservation of Wild Mushrooms Code of Practice and in current conservation programmes. We are committed to the sponsorship of new recording groups and to encouraging people of all ages and experience into amateur mycology as the way forward for the future.

At the start of 2005 we launched our new magazine The Forayer and subsequently circulation has risen by over 40%. It represents the interests, views and concerns of field mycologists as well as being strongly informative about all aspects of amateur field mycology. It is for everyone who enjoys the pursuit of hunting and identifying fungi in the British Isles . The focus is on the practical interests, inquiries and problems confronting field enthusiasts. Articles range from explanation of fundamentals to more detailed discussion but always with an eye to collecting, identifying and recording fungi discovered in the field. It also provides a link between field mycologists and other organisations including Plantlife International, JNCC, Natural England, Forest Enterprise, the National Trust, Environmental Record Centres, county wildlife trusts and other bodies.