Carey’s Secret Garden hosted its first-ever Secret All Things Fungi Festival on October 25-27, bringing together over 200 nature enthusiasts, local experts, and curious visitors for a weekend full of discovery, inspiration, and community. Nestled within the serene grounds of Carey’s, this inaugural event was a resounding success, shining a spotlight on the mysterious and magical world of fungi.
The festival featured an impressive lineup of workshops, talks, and hands-on activities, immersing attendees in fungi’s fascinating role in our ecosystems. Expert speakers delved into topics ranging from the medicinal benefits of fungi to the art of sustainable foraging.
Highlights included guided fungi walks, photography workshops, and culinary demos that showcased the versatility of mushrooms. Fungi photographer Max Mudie commented, “Carey’s event was a lovely weekend connecting with like-minded people. There were plenty of interesting species found on site including some of my favourites to capture… I saw real value in what these events do for people as we gain a deeper appreciation and reconnect to the natural world.”
Hands-on workshops were a major hit, with participants of all ages learning how to grow their own mushrooms at home. Meanwhile, artist Jana Nicole hosted creative fungi-themed collage workshops. She reflected, “The fungi workshop was a perfect reminder of how art can be a bridge to learning about nature and how even those who don’t consider themselves “artists” can produce something beautiful and personal”.
The “Mushroom Market” also added a vibrant touch to the festival, with local artisans showcasing mushroom-inspired crafts, jewellery, and homemade treats. These unique stalls brought together local artistry with the beauty and utility of fungi, supporting local businesses while educating the public on sustainable practices.
Garden Finder Simon Constantine commented, “The Secret All Things Fungi Festival at Carey’s was as inspiring as it was fun. The mixture of expertise, innovative science and creative flair created a really warm atmosphere in which to connect and learn about all aspects of fungi. It was a real privilege for our gardens to host this introduction to the wonderful world of mycology.”
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees has Carey’s Secret Garden planning next year’s fungi festival already, with even more workshops, expert speakers, and interactive sessions in the pipeline. Co-host Andy Knott from Jurassic Coast Mushrooms commented “A shout out to all the vendors, talkers, walkers, guides and everybody at Carey’s that helped make this such a success… We look forward to welcoming you all back to the gardens for 2025!”
As autumn transitions into winter, Carey’s Secret Garden is gearing up for a series of festive events that promise to bring the magic of the holiday season to life. From wreath-making workshops to enchanting Christmas markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk to find out more.