Saturday 27th October enjoying the beautiful autumnal sunshine a small mixed age group gathered in Lerryn to learn more about the fungi to be found in Ethy Wood. We were led by Matt Lewis the Head Ranger of Lanhydrock estate, who gave us an enthusiastic and engaging talk on the variety of fungi to be found in the area, and the consequences of eating some of the more poisonous species.
He told us that fungi mainly exist as intricate networks of cords (mycelia) that are hidden underground or in decaying wood, but at this time of a year they ‘flower’ and we see the visible evidence; the fruiting (spore-
This network of mycelia play a vital ecological role in woods helping the decaying process, recycling nutrients and sharing them with trees, creating habitats and feeding a range of other wildlife. Matt explained that to maintain a healthy woodland ecosystem it was important to leave a considerable quantity of standing and fallen dead wood for the survival of these decomposers.
A range of fungi were identified:
Many-
Glistening Inkcap; Coprinus micaceus on Holme Oak
Candlesnuff; Xylaria hypoxylon on dead wood of Ash
Cramp Balls aka King Alfred's Cakes; Daldinia concentrica on Ash
Ustulina deusta on Beech
Artist's Bracket; Ganoderma applanatum on Beech
Blushing Bracket; Daedaleopsis confragosa on willow
Others not identified to species level included a Mycena, a Russula and a Polypore.
Scilla
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