This weekend...fascinating fungi

Famous for springing up overnight then disappearing almost as fast, fungi can seem hard to get to know and love.

But go for a walk in almost any wood at this time of year and you'll come across some fascinating fungi.

And with names such as stinkhorns, waxcaps, and earthstars don't they just make you want to get out and see them?

Odd shapes and pretty colours

So here's three easily-spotted fungi to start you off:

First up is fly agaric. With its bright red cap and childhood association with fairytales it's an easy one to go hunting for.

It's best to look out for them growing near birch trees.

Next up, there's the common puffball.

This fungi most oftens grow in little clusters, springing up from bare soil or poking up from under leaf litter.

Finally, try searching for bracket fungi. There are lots of different types, but an easy one to find is turkey tail:

Found growing on dead wood, this fungi grows in a concentric ring pattern and gets its name from the fact that it resembles the tail of a wild turkey!

Now over to you. Happy hunting!