My Sidmouth Nature Diary

The fields up at Combe Farm on Salcombe Hill currently have a display of these, the parasol mushroom [ Macrolepioate procera ]. Sadly, when I was there the specimens were past their best so I raided my photograph library for this picture. It is both one of the most distinctive species of fungi through its large size, the caps can sometime be nine or ten inches across, and one of the most common, well in the south of England that is, it is less common in the north. That said, there are some similar species which are less common. This is primarily a species of grasslands, especially amongst the short grasses of parkland and grazing pasture but it does occur in woodlands along open paths and rides as well.  My book says this makes excellent eating but accurate identification is essential; I think I will err on the side of caution and give them a miss.

  I have just paid my first visit to Muttersmoor and was delighted to find these specimens of fly agaric [ Amanita muscaria ] which were in almost perfect condition. Fungi fruiting bodies like this can have such a short life span and start to deteriorate almost as soon as they appear. They are also a target for young feet to kick over! This fungus is not uncommon in birch woods and it can be found in September and October and possibly into November. The fly agaric must surely be the quintessential mushroom! Even if you have never seen one in the 'wild' you will have seen this fungus in children's books and cartoons; it is, of course, where faeries and other strange things live. The fly agaric is quite unique in its appearance being the only really red fungus, especially one with white spots on it. They are not actually white spots but the remnants of the outer covering that covered the cap as it emerged from the ground. The red colouring implies danger! You might think that...