A family day highlighted the fascinating world of fungi on October 5, in line with International Fungi Day.

Held at the Yorkshire Arboretum, near Castle Howard, the day comprised a range of activities and workshops.

Aiga Ozolina and Ann Barnes, mycologists from Fera Science, conducted a plant pathology workshop, with mini-lab sessions, in which attendees were able to discover the world of fungi underneath the microscope.

There were also displays of common tree diseases, like ash dieback, and common garden diseases, such as apple rot, which is caused by the pathogens Monilinia fructigena and Monilinia laxa.

Lichens were also highlighted.

Malcolm Greaves from the Mid Yorkshire Fungus Group, meanwhile, led a 'fungus foray' around the arboretum, with participants discovering various fungi like the Magpie inkcap and Amanita muscaria.

Fera Science plant pathologist Charles Lane conducted a walking tour focused on tree fungal diseases, with an emphasis on such scourges as ash dieback and red band needle disease (which impacts Scots pine).

Professor Phil Ineson from the University of York gave a demonstration on soil health and biodiversity, in which the role of mycorrhizas and insects in soil was discussed.

Children were kept entertained by a mushroom trail, Alternaria origami, Amanita face painting - and even a fungi cake.