On the night before Halloween, join us in a woodland near Frome for an after-dark wander into the stranger side of the forest.

We’ll start with introductions, a warming medicinal mushroom tea, and some time to get to know the group before heading out with UV torches in search of biofluorescent fungi and other hidden woodland wonders.

Once the ultraviolet lights come on, the familiar starts to shift. Fungi, lichens and other natural materials reveal colours and patterns our eyes would normally miss, turning the woodland into a vivid, otherworldly landscape hiding just beyond ordinary perception.

We’ll move slowly, following whatever glows, fluoresces or catches our curiosity, while learning about the fungi and ecology around us. The evening ends with an explanation of how biofluorescence actually works, and why changing the way we look can reveal an entirely different version of the world around us.

No specialist knowledge needed, just curiosity, warm clothes and a willingness to spend an autumn evening poking around in the dark.

Please note: this is an observational walk, not a foraging event. We won’t be collecting or consuming psychedelic mushrooms.

Under 18s are very welcome when accompanied by an adult, but everyone attending will need their own ticket.

The event will take place in woodland near Frome. Exact meeting details and what to bring will be shared in the week before the event. You’ll need your own transport, so if you need a lift, bring a mate with a car and make a night of it.

YOUR FACILITATOR

Alice Pefanis

Alice Sophia Pefanis is a mycologist researching the application of low tech, nature based solutions for freshwater remediation. She began foraging fungi in Eastern Europe as a child and later honed her identification skills in Canada and the United Kingdom, going on to specialise in edible, medicinal and mycoremediation species across the Northern Hemisphere. With a background in mycology, ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture, her work centres on the application of fungal systems, particularly mycofiltration, to reduce nutrient and microbial pollution in freshwater environments. She has led field based research trials investigating the performance of hyperlocal wood decaying fungi, including Trametes versicolor, in dynamic freshwater systems, alongside multiple trials using Pleurotus pulmonarius to remediate dairy wastewater and sewage overflow pollution. Alongside her research, she lectures on ecology and agriculture courses, leads fungal forays in the UK and delivers workshops that translate scientific knowledge into applied and accessible practices, supporting communities to engage with fungi as collaborators in ecosystem repair.

Carly Birch

Carly is a facilitator, event curator, and co-director of the Psychedelic Society, supporting strategy, long-term vision and team leadership. Grounded in the belief that exploring consciousness is an inalienable right, she is especially interested in how the surrounding culture influences the way these experiences are met, interpreted, and integrated. Her work centres on strengthening social and spiritual connection, and on the shared intelligence that communities carry.

With a commitment to fostering a more connected, curious, and open-minded culture, Carly creates gatherings and immersive retreats that offer practical ways to deepen relationship with self, others, and the natural world, while helping broaden and refine public understanding of psychedelics.

Alongside her work with the Psychedelic Society, Carly is certified in Transpersonal Coaching Psychology and has completed a year-long psychedelic informed practitioner training with VITAL. She brings in-person experience supporting and managing psychedelic retreats, and also supports Heroic Hearts Project UK, assisting with ayahuasca retreats for veterans and law enforcement workers.

REFUNDS POLICY: Please note, we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. When possible we encourage reselling on Ticketswap.

ACCESS:  We do our best to include everyone in our events, regardless of health circumstances. If you have access requirements please email the event organiser directly to discuss. Many facilitators are able to offer reduced ticket prices for those truly unable to afford the ticket price. If this applies to you, do please get in touch with the event organiser.

For PSYCHEDELIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES please check out the Psychedelic Society website. 

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