Fabulous Fungi

Fungi have been particularly abundant at Foxglove this year with over 95 different species recorded in October alone.

The Buttercap mushroom is a common and variable woodland species. It particularly likes the decomposing needles of coniferous plantations. 

The Powderpuff Bracket is also found in conifer plantations. It fruits on the stumps and logs of rotting conifer trees and often resembles a powdery cushion.

The Wood Cauliflower fungus is a new species for the reserve. It mainly grows at the base of coniferous trees and can grow to a weight of several kilograms. 

Meadow Coral is a common fungus of unimproved grasslands and has been found near the Stone Circle on the reserve. It is brittle and coral-like in short grass but may also grow tall and sparsely-branched in longer vegetation. 

Another new species for the reserve was the Pink Waxcap. Also known as the 'Ballerina', it has a waxy rose-pink cap, pink gills and a pinky-white stalk. It is thought to be more common in the UK than anywhere else in the world. 

The Trooping Funnel is often seen in large numbers, either in arcs or complete fairy rings. It is one of the few large fungi that can survive mild frosts and can sometimes be seen standing through to late Decemeber.

Thank you to Chris Meek for the amazing photos and to everyone involved in finding and identifying all of these fabulous fungi!