VHS Oberberg has certified Mushroom Coaches for the first time Eight participants successfully completed the course

Oberbergischer Kreis. At the VHS Oberberg, the training program of the German Society for Mycology (DGfM) to become a Mushroom Coach took place for the first time. Eight participants successfully completed the course with a certificate. Over three weekends, participants learned valuable knowledge about mushrooms, including their significant role in the ecosystem.
Mushroom expert and course instructor Achim Falkenroth emphasizes the importance of this training for understanding nature: “Every child learns very early that a bat is not a bird. The wolf is a mammal and the fly is an insect. They are all important for the ecosystem. […] But mushrooms are often overlooked.”
Certified Mushroom Coaches can, for instance, share their knowledge in kindergartens, schools, and other educational institutions, inspire people about the importance of mushrooms, or simply deepen their hobby.

Mushroom paper, mushroom ink, mushroom dye – Discover mushrooms creatively

In addition to theoretical foundations and excursions into the forest, participants explored creative applications. The focus was not on consumption but on the diversity of mushrooms and their importance to nature. Participants engaged in activities such as making mushroom paper and mushroom ink, as well as dyeing wool with mushroom-based dyes.

Practical knowledge for environmental education

Participant Janna Schulte draws a positive conclusion. She found that trying things out opened new opportunities for her to vividly convey knowledge about mushrooms.

Thorsten Veller, a certified nature and landscape guide, also plans to integrate what he learned into his future tours. “Everything is interconnected, and mushrooms have much more to offer than just being eaten,” he concludes.

Course instructor Achim Falkenroth was particularly pleased with the group's great enthusiasm and the creative ideas evident in their final projects. The training combines expertise with playful methods and opens new ways to raise awareness about nature.

All eight participants successfully completed the course and received the certificate from the German Society for Mycology e. V. (DGfM). “A successful premiere at VHS Oberberg, showing how varied and practical environmental education can be!” summarizes Peter Ley, Head of Environmental Education at VHS Oberberg.

New dates for Mushroom Coach training 2027 – Register now

Next year, the training program at VHS will go into its second round. The dates are already set: February 27–28, 2027; June 5–6, 2027; November 20–21, 2027

Information about the training will be published in the coming weeks on the VHS Oberberg homepage.

For information about the course and all other events in the areas of social education and environmental education, interested parties can contact VHS Oberberg, Dr. Peter Ley, Telephone 02261 88-4326, or via email at peter.ley@obk.de