Mushrooms were sprouting up all over our planet long before mankind ever existed. To this day they play an important role in our lives, however their origins, methods of nutrition and reproduction in many ways still remain a mystery to modern science. Russia’s northwest region is known for its particularly diverse mushroom species while the area’s many pine, mixed and deciduous forests, picturesque cliffs and swamps have served as a great attraction for nature lovers for many years. The region’s close proximity to St. Petersburg, a cultural and research centre, contributes to the increasing number of people studying mushrooms and the number of those who appreciate the region’s unique natural beauty.