“UK Fungus Day is all about celebrating fungi, what they do for us and why it is so important for us to study this fascinating kingdom of organisms,” says Dr Ali Ashby, fungus expert and chair of the British Mycological Society’s Education and Outreach Committee. “There are more than 15,000 different types of mushrooms and fungi in the UK and we are still learning amazing new things about what they can do.
“Fungi play an important role in our lives, economy and environment. Without them, plants would die without the healthy soil they need. Research has shown how some plants even use fungi in the soil to communicate with other plants. They also have a vital role in the production of medicines including penicillin, cyclosporine and statins as well as many of the food stuffs we eat including bread, cheese, soy sauce, Marmite, wine, beer and even chocolate”.
Chris White, Cambridge Science Centre “We are delighted to welcome Dr Ali Ashby as our visiting expert on UK Fungus Day. Families can enjoy her talks on ‘Fantastic Fungus Facts’ and get stuck into some great fungal activities throughout the day.”
Full event listing for UK Fungus Day and other events at Cambridge Science Centre:
www.cambridgesciencecentre.org/whats-on/events-calendar
Normal admission charges to Cambridge Science Centre will apply on 9 October 2016.
Full details on UK Fungus Day available from www.ukfungusday.co.uk/
The British Mycological Society (http://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk ) is a registered British Charity open to all who are interested in promoting and learning about the exciting world of fungi. It has member sections devoted to particular aspects of the fungal world including cutting edge research into many aspects of fungal science, the conservation and recording of fungi and the provision of educational resources for use at all ages and experience.
*******
Contact:
Lisa Cahill / Chris White
Cambridge Science Centre
18 Jesus Lane
Cambridge
CB5 8BQ
01223 967965
lisamariecahill@cambridgesciencecentre.org
chriswhite@cambridgesciencecentre.org
______________________________________________________