Prof David Wright – 'Fungi. Animal, Vegetable, or what?' Talk

A talk by Prof David Wright on the beneficial and harmful effects of fungi. This talk is based on Prof David Wright’s book Fungi: Animal, Vegetable, or What?, which stems from his earlier publication, Natural Toxins: The Good, The Bad and The Deadly (Wright, 2025), dealing with the bioactive properties of organisms, including their interactions with each other and with their natural environment. The talk reflects the resurgence of interest in fungi, a group of organisms that have only recently been recognised as unique life-forms with no direct taxonomic relationship with existing phyla such as plants, animals or bacteria. It explores the cryptic lifestyle of fungi, often in close physical association with other phyla, and the resulting beneficial and harmful effects on host organisms and on consumers, including humans. These properties have also contributed to the rich folklore that has accompanied fungi throughout their history. Settle in for an inspiring series of talks that delve into the fascinating world of plants, conservation, and sustainable practices. Our Growing Conversations series brings together leading voices from across the garden and the wider community. Each session includes a warm, seasonal lunch, making this the perfect opportunity to nourish both mind and body while connecting with fellow plant and nature enthusiasts in the beautiful surroundings of the garden. When: Thursdays, 12pm - 2pm Price: £15 for members | £16.50 for non-members Includes: Inspiring talk and warm lunch. Attendees DO NOT need to purchase garden admission alongside their ‘Growing Conversations’ booking. Booking essential. Limited spaces available. Please note any Dietary Requirements at checkout. ~~~ Mae’r sgwrs hon yn seiliedig ar lyfr yr Athro David Wright Fungi: Animal, Vegetable, or What?, sy’n deillio o’i gyhoeddiad cynharach, Natural Toxins: The Good, The Bad and The Deadly (Wright, 2025), sy’n ymdrin â phriodweddau bioactif organebau, gan gynnwys eu rhyngweithiadau â’i gilydd ac â’u hamgylchedd naturiol. Mae’r sgwrs yn adlewyrchu’r diddordeb cynyddol mewn ffyngau, grŵp o organebau sydd ond yn ddiweddar wedi cael eu cydnabod fel ffurfiau unigryw ar fywyd, heb unrhyw berthynas dacsonomaidd uniongyrchol â ffyla eraill megis planhigion, anifeiliaid neu facteria. Mae’n archwilio ffordd gudd o fyw ffyngau, sydd yn aml mewn cysylltiad corfforol agos â ffyla eraill, a’r effeithiau buddiol a niweidiol sy’n deillio o hynny ar organebau lletyol ac ar ddefnyddwyr, gan gynnwys pobl. Mae’r priodweddau hyn hefyd wedi cyfrannu at y llên gwerin gyfoethog sydd wedi cyd-fynd â ffyngau drwy gydol eu hanes. Ymunwch â ni am gyfres ysbrydoledig o sgyrsiau sy’n treiddio i fyd hynod ddiddorol planhigion, cadwraeth ac arferion cynaliadwy. Mae ein cyfres Sgyrsiau Tyfu yn dod â lleisiau blaenllaw ynghyd o fyd yr ardd a’r gymuned ehangach. Mae pob sesiwn yn cynnwys cinio cynnes tymhorol, gan wneud hwn yn gyfle perffaith i faethu’r meddwl a’r corff wrth gysylltu â chyd-selogion planhigion a natur yn amgylchedd hardd yr ardd. Pryd: Dydd Iau, 12pm – 2pm Pris: £15 i aelodau | £16.50 i’r rhai nad ydynt yn aelodau Yn cynnwys: Sgwrs ysbrydoledig a chinio cynnes. NID oes angen i fynychwyr brynu mynediad i’r ardd ar wahân i’w harcheb ‘Sgyrsiau Tyfu’. Archebu ymlaen llaw yn hanfodol. Nifer cyfyngedig o leoedd ar gael. Sylwch ar unrhyw ofynion dietegol wrth dalu.