On Sunday 26 October we ran our annual Fungal Foray walk. Lead by the brilliant Fungal Punk Dave our large group of courageous explorers set out from the yurt in the search of fantastic, funky, flamboyant and frankly fantastic fungi.
The fungi crew! – Lucy Hodson
With so many sets of eyes scouring the fields, trees and dead logs, we amassed an impressive hoard; 81 species were recorded by Fungal Punk Dave. For the full species list see: http://bit.ly/1tMiq7t
We found a wide range of species of bracket fungi such as birch polypore and turkeytail (see below). Did you know Birch Polypore was used to sharpen and shine knives/ swords, being referred to as razor – strop fungus!
Birch polypore – Lucy Hodson
Turkeytail – Lucy Hodson
We also spotted a few different species of waxcaps such as meadow waxcap and snowy waxcap. These are great indicators for good quality soils as they are very sensitive to fertilizers. Here at Coombes we have surveys purposely for pink waxcaps. These are BAP priority species as over enriching soils by inappropriate land management has made them very scarce throughout the UK.
The incredible FungalPunk Dave was on hand to help identify some of the more tricky species, such as false chanterelles. These differ to chanterelles because of their gills instead of true stems. False chanterelles also have a striking orangey colour compared to the more mellow chanterelles (see the picture below).
False chantarelle – Lucy Hodson
Fungi plays a crucial role in the woodlands. They break down dead leaves and trees to release their important nutrients back into the soil. Some go one step further, creating symbiotic relationships with the trees, living on the tree roots, and helping the tree to uptake water and minerals, in exchange for carbon and other organic substrates.
Black bulgar fungus – Lucy Hodson
�
Penny Bun – Lucy Hodson
One un-fungal looking creature we discovered was the false ladybird. Otherwise known as the handsome fungus beetle! This handsome fellow was seen by lots of silver leaf fungus as they very often like to live near fungal growths under bark.
False ladybird – Lucy Hodson
As if the fungi and odd handsome looking beetle wasn’t enough; we were also constantly surrounded with beautiful autumn views of the reserve. The red and burnt orangey splashes shine throughout the reserve this time of year and are now definitely at their most showy. Perfect for picture taking!
Autumn leaves – Lucy Hodson
Thanks to Fungal Punk Dave we managed to learn loads about the fungi at Coombes. For more information on Fungal Punk Daves work and to see future events visit his website on: www.fungalpunknature.co.uk
Why not come along to the reserve and have a go at your own fungal hunt (make sure not to touch or eat any!) Remember to come and tell us what you’ve found too!