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Join us at the Hepple Estate for a nature-focused tour of our wilding project. The hills around Hepple have been gently managed for wildlife and farming for decades but since 2020 we have changed gear and are now fully focused on building ecosystem health and encouraging biodiversity. As of 2024 we are starting to open our world up for small mixed and private groups to come and see what we have been up to, and we'd love for you to join us.
The day will include a short introduction to the estate and our ethos, before a presentation on fungal ecology and some of the fungi that grow across the Hepple Estate. Following this we will take a 3hr-4hr professionally guided walk of the estate with numerous breaks for taking a closer look at some fungi specimens. A simple lunch is included and, weather allowing, will be taken outside to enjoy on the estate. Our walks are intended to be interactive and immersive with our expert guide Richard showing you the best of what Hepple has to offer.
In late summer and autumn a wealth of fungi grow across the estate. With woodlands of various ages and compositions, as well as lots of prime grasslands, the Hepple estate has a variety of habitats perfect for growing many different species of mushrooms. The goblet waxcap, the olive amanita, the amethyst deceiver, the coconut milkcap, the bleeding bonnet... These are just some of the fantastically named fungi that we might able to spot as we explore our the estate. While we will discuss the edibility of fungi, and the principle of foraging, this is not a foraging course and we will not eating any specimens that we see or collect.
Lifecyle of Fly Agaric - Richard Thompson / Hepple Wilds
Please note that this event includes periods of walking over rough and unsteady ground, including some inclines and hill walking. Please come prepared for outdoor walking, including sturdy boots. Additionally, we cannot guarantee the weather and in the Upper Coquet valley it can be very changeable so please come prepared for any and all weathers.
Please note that this event includes periods of rough walking. Please come prepared. Sturdy boots, a warm coast, possibly waterproof trousers are all worth bringing – if you can leave them in the car so much the better! The weather in the Upper Coquet valley can be very changeable so please come prepared for anything.
While we will aim to head out whatever the weather, if the forecast ahead of the event does look especially awful or hazardous, we will contact you to offer a full refund or a booking on an alternative date.
Unfortunately this event is not currently accessible for wheelchair users or those with physical disabilities that may prevent them from prolonged walking in the outdoors over rough terrain. As we progress with our nature engagement plans, we aim to be able to host more accessible experiences.
We would also recommend that this event may not suit young children however we are fully open to have private family group bookings. Please get in touch to discuss this.
Once booked, we will contact you regarding dietary requirements and any special interests you might have. We look forward to welcoming you to our home and to the beautiful Hepple Wilds.