GET closer to some of our most fascinating countryside features with the fourth annual UK Fungus Day at the National Botanic Garden.

Taking place on Sunday October 11, it promises a mix of the scientific and the artistic with plenty of fun and games too and is is promising to be the biggest and best yet.

It will be of interest to all ages and abilities, however much or little you might know about fungi.

The day includes guided walks and talks on fungi in meadows, flower beds, lawns and woods by some of Wales’ leading mycologists, a wild mushroom cook-up, displays of fungi-inspired paintings, books, stitch works and woodcarvings and the fungi identification table

Two further highlights of the day are: a chance to a booklet of your own fungi drawings with artist Louise Burston and a special ‘Introduction to Lichens’ workshop. For both of these, you can pre-book your place for both (or either) of these by email kay.bailey@gardenofwales.org.uk or call 01558 667150.

Also on the fungi day agenda are, lots of family activities linked to fungi and fairy rings, beech tree fungi scientific demonstration, woodturning and felt-making fungi-themed activities, a chance to take the fungi trail around the Garden and the chance to explore a fairy wood full of fungi and fairy doors

There will also be stalls selling fairy and fungi bits and bobs and anyone dressed as a fairy or an elf gets in for free!

All Wales Fungus Day events are FREE with normal admission into the Garden.

The Garden is open every day in October from 10am to 6pm with last entry at 5pm.

Admission to the Garden is £9.75 (including Gift Aid) for adults and £4.95 for children over five. There is no charge for under-fives. Entry is free for Garden members and parking is free for all.

For more information about this or other events, call 01558 667149, email info@gardenofwales.org.uk or go to www.gardenofwales.org.uk