In a world dominated by bustling cityscapes and fast-paced lifestyles, there's an increasing yearning for a connection with the natural world.

At the intersection of this desire for connection and the artistry of photography, inspired us to create a community led photo challenge - a celebration of fungi captured through the lenses of both professional and aspiring photographers.

We are super proud (you should be too) to introduce "Ffwng" a pocket-friendly zine now available in our online shop.

"Ffwng" emerged from a photo challenge that took place last October, where we invited our wonderful community to embark on a journey to embrace nature and explore the finer details of their surroundings. The theme? Mushrooms – mysterious organisms that thrive in the shadows of the forest floor.

What started as a simple challenge using the hashtag #wildbarczine has blossomed into a vibrant collection of fungal wonders in our first ever zine. The response from our community was overwhelming, with participants from all walks of life capturing the intricate beauty of fungus in their natural habitats. From densely wooded forests, rolling hills to city parks, the photo challenge transformed into a communal exploration of nature's hidden marvels.

Compiling the zine was no small feat, as we sifted through an array of stunning submissions. The diversity in photographic styles and perspectives added a unique charm to the zine, showcasing the inherent beauty of fungi in ways that ranged from macro shots revealing intricate textures to dreamy landscapes where mushrooms took center stage.

The zine not only serves as a testament to the collective talent within our community but also as a visual ode to the enchanting world of fungi. As you flip through its pages, you'll embark on a journey through various ecosystems, encountering mushrooms that range from the whimsically small to the elegantly elaborate.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was witnessing our community members immerse themselves in nature during the photo challenge. It became more than just a photography competition; it was an opportunity for individuals to pause, observe, and appreciate the small wonders that often go unnoticed in our daily lives.

The pocket-friendly format of "Ffwng" allows you to carry this celebration of nature's hidden gems with you wherever you go. Slip it into your bag, share it with friends, or display it on your coffee table as a constant reminder of the beauty that surrounds us.

We wanted our first zine to give back to charities doing good things to protect our environments so therefore all profits from the sale of this zine will go directly to the Ramblers. 

"Ffwng" is not just a zine; it's a visual journey into the enchanting world of mushrooms. Get your limited edition copy today from our online shop and join us in celebrating the exquisite beauty that can be found when we take a moment to look much more closely. 

So, what's next? Watch this space for another Photo Challenge coming soon with a different theme and another charity making positive change.