While out surveying on the reserve our Site Manager, Nick T, came across a branch of blackthorn covered in a bright blue velvety fungus. Not being knowledgeable about fungi, we sent photos to local expert Bryan Edwards at the Dorset Environmental Record Office. Bryan identified the fungus as the Cobalt Crust Fungus (Terana caerulea previously Pulicherricium caerulum). Another common English name for this fungus is the Blue Velvet Spread.
The fungus is usually found on the fallen deadwood of deciduous trees such as ash or hazel. In the images it is growing on blackthorn and bramble. The Cobalt Crust is typically found on the underside of branches which assists in spore dispersal.
There are only a handful of records for the Cobalt Crust in Dorset as it is mainly a western species so this is a significant record and very nice one for Radipole.