As the Island announces that it's signed up to the Rio Convention on Bio-diversity, the Department of the Environment Food and Agriculture Environment has organised its first "Fungus foray" weekend.

The two day event will give interested members of the public a chance to learn more about the Island's fungi and how to identify common mushrooms and toadstools in the company of an expert mycologist.

Long term, it's hoped this will help add to the database of species found on the Island and broaden our knowledge of the Islands bio-diversity.

Principal Bio-Diversity Officer for the Department, Liz Charter, says it should be an interesting and valuable weekend

The weekend takes place on the 8th and 9th of September and the cost for the whole weekend will be ?35 or there's a daily charge of ?20. More details can be obtained from Liz Charter at DEFA HQ in St Johns.

Booking is essential.