Flambouyant fungi

The fruiting bodies of fungi can be found all year round, from the height of summer to the depths of winter, but the most magical time of year for fungi spotting is, without a doubt, autumn. When the leaves are falling from the trees, providing a carpet of colourful rustling underfoot, visible fungal diversity is at its peak.

Grassland species to look out for are waxcaps, which are some of the most colourful and bright mushrooms, and are in the family Hygrophoraceae. Look out for parrot waxcaps, which range from pastel pale to stunning turquoise green, and pink waxcaps, which are a bit rarer. Waxcaps are of conservation concern in this country due to the decline in unimproved grassland habitat.

Woodland species worth spotting are the bright red fly agaric or amethyst deceivers, whose purple tones really stand out against the russet backdrop of fallen leaves.

SEE THEM THIS AUTUMN AND WINTER

Dolebury Warren: This Iron Age hill fort nature reserve offers incredible views, an impressive variety of wildflowers and is a SSSI. It also has 25 species of waxcap recorded to date, including the aptly titled splendid waxcap.

Walton Common: Fantastic for grassland fungi spotting, boasting good populations of the beautiful blackening waxcap.

Goblin Combe: A stunning reserve supporting masses of biodiversity. Autumnal fungi such as green elf cups, scarlet/ruby elf cups and fly agaric punctuate the natural detritus on the ground.

Thanks to your membership, we are able to protect and maintain unimproved grassland and ancient woodland to ensure fungal species continue to flourish across Avon.