They grow in our woods, pastures and hedges by the bucketful, but how much do you know about the secret world of fungi?

Almost all of us will walk past these fascinating organisms and not give them a second glance, but many are beautiful in their own special way. Now's your chance to hunt them out…

The National Trust’s parks and estates are the perfect places to explore and discover a wide variety of fungi. Become a fungi-fanatic and seek out the good, the bad and the ugly this autumn.

What will you discover? Shaggy Ink Cap, Fairy Ring Champignon, Hen of the Woods, Clouded Funnel Cap and Amethyst Deceiver – mushrooms and toadstools are best seen in the autumn, when their fruiting bodies emerge above ground level. Whether, it is for a few hours, days or sometimes longer, the fruiting bodies emerge in all shapes and sizes, colour and scent.

With names like Devil’s Fingers and Destroying Angel, it is not surprising that many are misunderstood! So wrap up warm, don your walking boots and visit a National Trust estate near you to see what you can find.

Great places to explore this autumn are Felbrigg Hall, Blickling Hall, Oxburgh Hall and Sheringham Park in Norfolk; Hatfield Forest in Essex; Sutton Hoo, Dunwich Heath and Ickworth in Suffolk and Wimpole Hall and Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire.

Why not sample some tasty mushroom delights in the restaurant or tea-rooms whilst you're there.