TWO treks through a Teesdale forest will hunt down the fruits of its underworld.

Fungi are sprouting all over Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, and while summer's dismal weather may been a turn-off for holidaymakers, mushrooms and toadstools have thrived.

Expert mycologist and walk leader Gordon Simpson, from West Auckland, said: "Last year was simply fantastic for the variety of fungi we found. It was a vintage crop by any standards. But this year, I've got my fingers' crossed for another good showing, thanks to the deluge of rain we had early this summer."

Walkers will be shown how to distinguish the edible varieties of fungi from the deadly poisonous ones.

Richard Gilchrist, chief recreation ranger at Hamsterley Forest, said: "Every toadstool and mushroom is in its own way a miracle of nature. Billions of spores are released each year above even small woods, many reaching the upper atmosphere and capable of travelling around the globe. Only a couple settle on the right kind of habitat."

The walks take place on September 23, at 11.30am and 2.30pm, costing £5 for adults, £3 concessions and £12 families. Booking is required, call 01388-488312.