The Diputación de Ávila, through its Rural Development and Environment Area, is organising the 27th edition of the ‘Conoce los hongos de Ávila’ course, a well-established event in the provincial calendar that will once again connect participants with the extraordinary mycological heritage of Ávila. The course will take place over the weekends of 23-25 October and 6-8 November.
Jesús Martín, the first vice president and deputy for Rural Development and Environment, highlighted that “this course represents a magnificent opportunity to discover, understand, and appreciate the immense natural wealth that our province holds. Ávila boasts an extraordinary diversity of ecosystems and mycological species, and we at the Diputación aim to contribute to making this heritage increasingly known, valued, and, above all, respected and protected.”
The course, which accommodates 48 participants, combines theoretical training with four practical routes through different ecosystems in the province, alongside a mushroom cooking workshop. Expert instructors will share their knowledge with students of various levels, from beginners to enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of fungi.
“One of the great values of this course is that it allows us to combine science, outreach, enjoyment of nature, and environmental awareness. We want participants to learn to identify different species, but also to understand the essential role fungi play in the balance of our ecosystems and the need to conserve them for future generations,” emphasised Jesús Martín.
He further stressed that “the philosophy of this activity is not to fill baskets or promote indiscriminate foraging, but to learn to observe, identify, and respect. Enjoying our mountains also means caring for them, and that is a fundamental message we consider important to convey from the Diputación.”
Course details and new educational proposals
This year’s programme includes four practical excursions that will allow participants to explore various natural environments in the province, such as mountain pine forests, holm oak groves, grasslands, and mixed forests. The outings are scheduled for 24-25 October and 7-8 November, with workshops for identifying and discussing the species found. Specific locations may be adjusted based on the progression of the mushroom season.
The theoretical sessions will take place on Fridays, 23 October and 6 November, at Naturávila. The inauguration will be led by Jesús Martín, while Enrique Fernández Villamor, head of the Rural Development and Environment Service of the Diputación and creator of the course in 1998, will present its structure and coordinate the activities.
Among the educational offerings are an introduction to the world of fungi by biologist Alfredo Goenaga Sánchez, a conference on the applications of artificial intelligence in mycology by Pablo Casares González, a discussion on the presence of fungi in literature by José Andrés Martínez, and a practical workshop on domestic mushroom cultivation led by Ángel Alonso Noya. Additionally, on Saturday, 7 November, a mushroom cooking workshop will be conducted by Ismael González Blázquez, allowing participants to prepare and taste various dishes made with edible mushrooms from the province.
“This edition once again demonstrates that mycology is a fascinating field that connects scientific knowledge with culture, gastronomy, and even new technologies. Moreover, it offers a way to engage with our towns and landscapes from a different perspective, discovering the biodiversity that makes Ávila a privileged province,” stated the deputy.
The course will conclude on Sunday, 8 November, with a final field trip around the Cuevas del Águila, a closing meal, and the presentation of diplomas to participants.
Registration details
Registration will remain open until 23 October, with a maximum of 48 places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The course fee is €105, with a reduced rate of €75 for university students, retirees, and unemployed graduates or diploma holders who can provide documentation of their status. The fee includes theoretical sessions, guidance from specialised instructors during field trips, bus transportation, an updated mushroom guide, materials for responsible foraging, the cooking workshop with tasting, and the closing meal.
To register, interested individuals must make a payment to the Diputación's account (ES42 2100 6305 0413 0112 8428), indicating ‘Curso Conoce los Hongos de Ávila 2026’ as the reference, and send the payment receipt along with the registration form or details to cursodesetas@diputacionavila.es. The complete programme can be consulted on the Diputación's website, and further information is available by calling 920 393 298.
