The start of autumn is an interesting time for those fascinated by fungi. The conditions are perfect for the fruiting bodies of these unusual and often ecologically important organisms to emerge.
This week the British Mycological Society will celebrate UK Fungus Day (13th October). This will involve events across the UK including a fungi walk with GiGL partner WWT London Wetland Centre. They are also asking people to report ‘fairy rings’ – these appear as a circle or arc of dark grass formed by a hidden network of mycelial filaments growing outwards under the ground. The fruiting bodies then emerge in a ring at the edge. Fairy rings get larger over time, and the survey is looking for the biggest in the UK, so keep your eyes peeled!
A specialist, and often challenging group to identify, there are over 12000 records of fungi recorded for London in the GiGL species database. These often have weird and wonderful names from the beefsteak fungus to the peeling oysterling, witch’s butter to collared earthstar.
Read more about the process of fungus surveying on our survey overviews here. But remember that many British fungi species are poisonous (including the species pictured) and therefore strict adherence to codes of conduct and expert guidance are necessary when exploring this group.
photo: Sulphur tuft mushrooms, Jason Gallier
October 2013
For other ‘image of the week’ pieces see our archive.