Ffion Reynolds

Ffion Reynolds, PhD, is an archaeologist & artist, and works for Cadw, the historic environment service for the Welsh Government, dedicated to protecting the monuments and heritage of Wales. She is an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University, Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, and a member of the international Rock Art Network. She co-directs a public archaeology excavation in the multi-period landscape around the Bryn Celli Ddu Neolithic passage tomb, on the island of Ynys Môn.

Ffion’s research into archaeology and mushrooms, has taken her on a journey around the world, including the rainforests of Peru and rock art sites of Namibia. Fungi are sometimes ignored in archaeology, but fungi are everywhere, and can shine a light on major changes in human societies. These changes might be caused by a fungal disease, the use of yeast in alcohol, fire technology, mushroom medicines, through to rock art and altered states of consciousness, where fungi can also help us see the world through the eyes of our ancestors and their worldviews, such as animism and shamanism.

Ffion has spoken at festivals including with the @thestoneclub at Timber Festival; MuMufication and the School of the Dead @thepeoplespyramid with the KLF; and Breaking Convention. At @allthingsfungifestival, Ffion will join Stephen Coates and @pychedelic_press Robert Dickins, on a panel discussion with the @bureauoflostculture