Mushroom Cultivation

If you have ever walked through Stanmer Park and wondered about the fungi growing in the woods, or perhaps thought about trying to grow your own food at home, there is a practical course coming up that might interest you. On the weekend of May 16th and 17th, 2026, the Brighton Permaculture Trust is hosting a two-day workshop on Mushroom Cultivation at The Earthship. It is designed for beginners, so you do not need any prior experience to join in.

The course is quite hands-on, moving away from just theory to actually getting your hands dirty. Over the two days, from 09:30 to 17:00 each day, you will learn about the life cycles of fungi and how they can be integrated into home environments. The tutors guide you through the specific techniques for growing shiitake and oyster mushrooms. By the end of the weekend, you will have prepared your own shiitake-inoculated log and a bag of oyster mushroom substrate to take home with you. The programme also covers how to inoculate lawns and mulch beds with other varieties like morels, ink caps, and king strapharia, which gives you a broader look at how to manage these species in a garden setting.

Regarding the logistics, the sessions involve some basic woodwork done in pairs, but it is not physically demanding, though you should be prepared for a walk of up to a mile. It is open to anyone over the age of 16. The cost of the course is tiered based on income, which is a helpful approach for accessibility. If you earn over £25,000 a year, the fee is £275; for those earning between £18,000 and £25,000, it is £235; and for those earning under £18,000, it is £195. There is also a concessionary rate of £155 available, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. It is a straightforward way to learn a specific skill set in a local setting, right near the University of Sussex.