FUNGAL FRIENDS SIGHTINGS

News from within and outside the area.

 

27th December 2011 - River Mersey/Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - A leg stretching stroll resulted in the sighting of 25 species, which were:- Bjerkandera adusta; Exidia nucleata; Flammulina velutipes; Daldinia fissa; Rhytisma acerinum; Rhopgraphus filicinus; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Trametes gibbosa; Daldinia concentrica; Chondrostereum purpureum; Auricularia-auricula judae; Tubaria furfuracea; Xylaria hypoxylon; Lepista flaccida; Hypholoma fasciculare; Pleurotus ostreatus; Ganoderma resinaceum; Panellus stipticus; Heterobasidion annosum; Diatrype quercina; Peniophora quercina; Nectria cinnabarina; Hypoxylon multiforme and Tremella aurantia.

13th December 2011 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - After just turning off the river a familiar log was checked and produced a troop of Coprinellus micaceus; a single fruitbody of Pleurotus ostreatus and several tiers of Bjerkandera adusta.

8th December 2011 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - One single Amanita muscaria clinging on for dear life was noted whilst walking home from work in refreshing wind and rain.

27th November 2011 - Chadkirk Chapel, Cheshire - One of the last fungal mooches of the year due to a busy period with many other things looming. 15 species noted which were:- Lactarius blennius; Collybia butyracea; Russula ochroleuca; Mycena pura; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Trametes versicolor; Stereum hirsutum; Chondrostereum purpureum; Nectria cinnabarina; Rhytisma acerinum; Hypholoma fsciculare; Scleroderma citrinum; Pluteus cervinus; Lepista nuda and Auricularia-auricula judae.

19th November 2011 - Ainsdale Sands Lake, Lancashire - A quick mooch came up with a few Hygrocybe nigrescens and a new one for us on an old log, namely Pluteus lutescens. A very nice species with a warm brown cap that contrasts markedly with the yellow gills and stem.

19th November 2011 - Ainsdale NE, Lancashire - A decision to visit this quiet reserve resulted in us back at the mushy mooching despite an already busy, busy season. We took it slowly and didn't push things and still came up with a sound 55 species, these were:- Crepidotus mollis; Arrenhia retiruga; Xylaria longipes; Rhytisma acerinum; Armillaria mellea; Tubaria furfuracea; Coprinopsis lagopus; Heterobasidion annosum; Gymnopilus penetrans; Clitocybe nebularis; Calocera cornea; Xylaria hypoxylon; Cystoderma amianthinum; Dacrymyces stillatus; Lepista flaccida; Clitocybe fragrans; Bovista plumbea; Geastrum triplex; Hygrocybe psittacina; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Mycena pura; Russula ochroleuca; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Lepista nuda; Octospora rutilans; Armillaria ostoyae; Amanita citrina; Piptoporus betulinus; Lycoperdon perlatum; Hygrocybe virginea; Rickenella fibula; Phlebia radiata; Russula betularum; Leccinum scabrum; Chondrostereum purpureum; Amanita muscaria; Paxillus involutus; Amanita vaginata; Panellus serotinus; Lactarius deliciosus Collybia butyracea; Hyphodontia sambuci; Peniophora quercina; Stropharia aeruginosa; Marasmius
androsaceus; Hirschioporus abietinus; Trametes versicolor; Inocybe sindonia; Hypoxylon multiforme; Trametes gibbosa; Bjerkandera adusta plus the myxomycetes Mucilago crustacea; Leocarpus fragilis and the bonnet mould Spinellus fusiger.

13th November 2011 - Moore NR, Cheshire - Yet more glorious sunshine and a quiet stroll pottering about resulted in the viewing of 38 species of fungus without really trying. The list was:- Rutstroemia firma; Coprinus comatus; Amanita muscaria; Auricularia-auricula judae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Xylaria hypoxylon; Entoloma rhodopolium; Collybia butyracea; Clitocybe nebularis; Lepista flaccida; Cystoderma amianthinum; Bjerkandera adusta; Flammulina velutipes; Hygrocybe psittacina; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Hygrocybe irrigata; Stropharia aeruginosa; Clitocybe fragrans; Nectria cinnabarina; Paxillus involutus; Lepista nuda; Rickenella fibula; Dacrymyces stillatus; Rhytisma acerinum; Mycena inclinata; Hypholoma fasciculare; Daldinia fissa; Agaricus sylvaticus; Laccaria laccata; Merulius tremellosus; Exidia recisa; Coprinellus micaceus; Crepidotus cesatii; Mycena arcangeliana; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Clitocybe phyllophila and the myxo Mucilago crustacea.

The highlight was finding two troops of Coprinus comatus one which was made up of 19 specimens the other which was made up of 98 specimens - impressive to say the least!

12th November 2011 - Chorlton WP, Greater Manchester - The season of walks now done it was time just to go stroling with my two lovely lasses and take in the odd species or two on a more leisurely basis. 37 species were noted, these being:- Auricularia-auricula judae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Xylaria hypoxylon; Entoloma rhodopolium; Coprinus comatus; Leptosphaeria acuta; Clitocybe nebularis; Laccaria laccata; Bisporella citrina; Hypoxylon multiforme; Calocera cornea; Hypholoma fasciculare; Trochila ilicina; Dacrymyces stillatus; Collybia dryophila; Agaricus arvensis; Stereum hirsutum; Nectria cinnabarina; Exidia nucleata; Mycena galericulata; Tubaria furfuracea; Lepista flaccida; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Peniophora lycii; Lyophyllum decastes; Crepidotus mollis; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia mesenterica; Lacrymaria velutina; Bjerkandera adusta; Crepidotus cesatii; Crepidotus luteolus; Hymenoscyphus herbarum; Cyathicula coronata; Parasola leiocephala; Agaricus sylvaticus and the myxo Mucilago crustacea

9th November 2011 - Heaton Moor/Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - A fresh batch of Amanita muscaria and a troop of Laccaria laccata were seen along with a crowd of Psilocybe cyanescens.

9th November 2011 - Heaton Moor/Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - Boletus edulis; Mycena acicula and several clumps of Coprinopsis atramentaria were all seen whilst walking home again. Geoglossum fallax was identified later.

6th November 2011 - Nunsmere Hall/Hogshead Lane, Cheshire - A wander with the Huntleys from Nunsmere Hall and their puddled pooch was had in solid sunshine and a few fungi were noted. 22 species in all which were:- Coprinus comatus; Lepista nuda; Amanita muscaria; Clitocybe nebularis; Helvella lacunosa; Suillus luteus; Lactarius pubescens; Bovista nigrescens; Lycoperdon perlatum; Laccaria laccata; Cystoderma amianthinum; Boletus badius; Paxillus involutus; Xylaria hypoxylon; Rickenella fibula; Piptoporus betulinus; Agaricus silvaticus; Octospora rutilans; Suillus bovinus; Peziza badia; Gymnopilus penetrans and Geastrum triplex.

5th November 2011 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A walk with the Altrincham Natural History Group saw 12 of us set off and come back with a total of 121 species. The grand list was as follows:- Lactarius turpis; Russula betularum; Leccinum scabrum; Psathyrella hydrophila; Amanita muscaria; Rhytisma acerinum; Auricularia-auricula judae; Lepista nuda; Trochila ilicina; Stereum hirsutum; Clitocybe fragrans; Stereum gausapatum; Vuilleminia comedens; Peniophora quercina; Schizopora paradoxa; Dacrymyces stillatus; Nectria cinnabarina; Russula ochroleuca; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Mycena inclinata; Mycena acicula; Hypholoma fasciculare; Collybia butyracea; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Mycena galericulata; Calocera glossoides; Lepista flaccida; Collybia dryophila; Mycena galopus var candida; Boletus pruinatus; Clitocybe odora; Clitocybe nebularis; Oudemansiella mucida; Laccaria amethystea; Ganoderma australe; Russula nobilis; Coprinellus micaceus; Pluteus cervinus; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes gibbosa; Calocera cornea; Armillaria gallica; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Ascocoryne sarcoides; Mycena arcangeliana; Exidia nucleata; Bisporella sulfurina; Tremella aurantia; Datronia mollis; Pleurotus ostreatus; Lactarius blennius; Meripilus giganteus; Scleroderma citrinum; Boletus edulis; Pholiota squarrosa; Mycena pura; Macrolepiota procera; Amanita rubescens; Bolbitius titubans; Paxillus involutus; Cystoderma amianthinum; Boletus badius; Lycoperdon perlatum; Amanita spissa; Stereum rameale; Xylaria longipes; Gymnopilus penetrans; Auriscalpium vulgare; Suillus bovinus; Mycena rosea; Russula sanguinea; Lactarius deterrimus; Trichomolopsis rutilans; Trichaptum abietinum; Hygrocybe virginea; Lycoperdon utriformis; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Phlebia merismoides; Piptoporus betulinus; Hygrocybe pratensis; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Leptosphaeria acuta; Scutellinia scutellata; Fistulina hepatica; Russula atropurpurea; Grifola frondosa; Pholiota gummosa; Clitocybe geotropa; Suillus luteus; Psilocybe semilanceata; Hygrocybe irrigata; Bovista nigrescens; Hygrocybe calyptriformis; Hygrocybe laeta; Hygrocybe psittacina; Rickenella swartzii; Russula fragilis; Collybia peronata; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Laccaria laccata; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Mollisia cinerea; Trichoderma viride; Gymnopilus junonius; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Rickenella fibula; Merulius tremellosus; Crepidotus cesatii; Crepidotus versutus; Peziza micropus; Rutstroemia firma; Parasola leiocephalus; Clavulinopsis laeticolor; Phaeolus schweinitzii; Agaricus silvaticus; Galerina clavata; Russula cyanoxantha; Hygrocybe splendidissima; Hygrocybe reidii; and the myxos Mucilago crustacea; Tubifera ferruginosa and Lycogala epidendrum.

4th November 2011 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Galerina clavata and Galerina mniophila seen in mossy grass whilst on the way home.

4th November 2011 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Pottering about for a bit of milk and sugar for the works tea supplies produced an old Meripilus giganteus as well as fresh Hygrocybe pratensis; Amanita muscaria; Scleroderma citrinum; Hygrocybe vitellina and Paxillus involutus.

3rd November 2011 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Walking to and from work again and a nice troop of Agaricus xanthoderma was noticed along with Coprinellus micaceus and Cystoderma amianthinum as well as Hypholoma fasciculare and a nice troop of Geoglossum fallax.

3rd November 2011 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Tubaria furfuracea; Amanita muscaria and Clitopilus prunulus all in fine fettle.

2nd November 2011 - Stockport, Cheshire - Walking home and a profusion of Paxillus validus and Hebeloma sp. were noted along with Amanita muscaria; Hygrocybe virginea and 2 Coprinus comatus.

31st October 2011 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Lepiota cristata; Calvatia excipuliformis; Paxillus validus; Bjerkandera adusta and 17 fine specimens of Chlorophyllum rhacodes all brightened up my jog cum walk on the way home.

30th October 2011 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - 12 people (including me) and a list of 47 species, which were:- Clavulina cinerea; Leccinum scabrum; Inocybe geophylla; Rhytisma acerinum; Coprinus comatus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Ganoderma australe; Stereum hirsutum; Auricular auricula-judae; Dacrymyces stillatus; Trametes versicolor; Parasola plicatilis; Lycoperdon perlatum; Coprinellus micaceus; Trametes gibbosa; Oxyporus populinus; Polyporus squammosus; Russula ochroleuca; Laccaria amethystea; Laccaria laccata; Amanita muscaria; Piptoporus betulinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Lepista nuda; Clitocybe geotropa; Calvatia excipuliformis; Lactarius torminosus; Hyphodontia sambuci; Xylaria longipes; Pluteus cervinus; Clavulina rugosa; Scleroderma citrinum; Chalciporus piperatus; Skeletocutis amorpha; Trichaptum abietinum; Calocera cornea; Daldinia concentrica; Stereum gausapatum; Phlebia merismoides; Stereum rameale; Trochila ilicina; Lactarius quietus; Bjerkandera adusta; Schizopora paradoxa; Peniophora quercina; Hericeum cirrhatum; Ciboria batschiana and Tricholoma fulva.

29th October 2011 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - 6 of us (5 from the Friends of Seven Acres) went out in search of fungal fruit and came up with 69 species despite only covering about a 6th of the parks grounds. The species list was:- Lepista nuda; Nectria cinnabarina; Trochila ilicina; Rhytisma acerinum; Stereum hirsutum; Auricular auricula-judae; Dacrymyces stillatus; Leptosphaeria acuta; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Peniophora quercina; Collybia butyracea; Ganoderma australe; Gymnopilus junonius; Phlebia tremellosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Eutypa spinosa; Psathyrella hydrophila; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Oudemansiella mucida; Trametes gibbosa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Xylaria hypoxylon; Hygrocybe pratensis; Calocera glossoides; Collybia dryophila; Rickenella fibula; Cystoderma amianthinum; Trametes versicolor; Calocera cornea; Russula ochroleuca; Amanita rubescens; Clitocybe nebularis; Xerocomus cisalpinus; Amanita muscaria; Macrolepiota procera; Boletus edulis; Diatrype disciformis; Collybia peronata; Laccaria amethystea; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Trichoderma viride; Exidia glandulosa; Collybia confluens; Tremella aurantia; Clitopilus prunulus; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Pleurotus ostreatus; Coprinellus micaceus; Grifola frondosa; Hygrocybe virginea; Trichaptum abietinum; Schizophyllum commune; Mycena galericulata; Mycena inclinata; Meripilus giganteus; Pholiota squarrosa; Mycena pura; Suillus grevellei; Rickenella schwartzii; Crepidotus cesatii; Hygrocybe splendissima; and Calvatia excipuliformis.

27th October 2011 - Sandwich Bay, Kent - Stropharia caerulea and Dasyscyphus sulphureus added to the weekly fungal total.

26th October 2011 - Sandwich Bay, Kent - 3 of us set of in arid conditions and scraped up a list of 21 species, these were:- Armillaria gallica; Pleurotus ostreatus; Leptosphaeria acuta; Polyporus squammosus; Auricular auricula-judae; Mycena adscendens; Rhytisma acerinum; Scleroderma citrinum; Hypoxylon multiforme; Stereum hirsutum; Ganoderma australe; Xylaria hypoxylon; Marasmius oreades; Macrolepiota procera; Hygrocybe virginea; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Geastrum striatum; Puccinia lagenophorae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Clitocybe agrestis and Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae.

25th October 2011 - East Blean, Kent - 3 species only - Peniophora quercina; Hypholoma fasciculare and Pholiota alnicola.

22nd October 2011 - Weaver Park, Cheshire - 7 of us set off and only came up with 31 species - aagghhh! The list was:- Lepista nuda; Xylaria hypoxylon; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Piptoporus betulinus; Scleroderma citrinum; Geastrum triplex; Lycoperdon perlatum; Collybia dryophila; Hygrocybe virginea; Coprinopsis lagopus; Rhytisma acerinum; Trametes versicolor; Mycena acicula; Flammulina velutipes; Puccinia poarum; Psathyrella candolleana; Coprinellus disseminatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Amanita muscaria; Hyphodontia sambuci; Rhopographus filicinus; Psilocybe semilanceata; Leccinum scabrum; Hygrocybe pratensis; Exidia nucleata; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Hypoxylon multiforme; Clavulinopsis corniculata; Crepidotus subverrucisporus and Nectria cinnabarina.

16th October 2011 - Formby NT, Lancashire - 35 of us set of today on what was my 100th public walk. This was a new area to do my duty and despite knowing that this years fungal season was on a downward spiral we ended up doing ok. During the walk 48 species were noted but a small group of us carried on afterwards and knocked the list up to 69 species which isn't bad considering there was some fairly decent stuff too. The list was:- Rhytisma acerinum; Xylaria longipes; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Piptoporus betulinus; Exidia nucleata; Hypoxylon multiforme; Mycena adscendens; Xylaria hypoxylon; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Paxillus involutus; Stereum gausapatum; Crepidotus mollis; Nectria cinnabarina; Heterobasidion annosum; Inocybe geophylla; Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina; Schizopora paradoxa; Tricholoma sulphureum; Trichaptum abietinum; Russula sanguinea; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Lycoperdon perlatum; Geastrum triplex; Rickenella fibula; Lepista flaccida; Chroogomphus rutilus; Suillus bovinus; Tricholoma terreum; Helvella lacunosa; Helvella crispa; Otidea bufonia; Lactarius deliciosus; Amanita muscaria; Lycoperdon lividum; Tricholomopsis rutilans; Auriscalpium vulgare; Crucibulum laeve; Lepiota cristata; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Clitocybe fragrans; Polyporus leptocephalus; Stereum hirsutum; Trochila ilicina; Russula ochroleuca; Dacrymyces stillatus; Auricularia auricula-judae; Daldinia concentrica; Psathyrella candolleana; Stropharia semiglobata; Panaeolus foenisecii; Hygrocybe virginea; Cystoderma amianthinum; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Hypholoma fasciculare; Bolbitius titubans; Hygrocybe psittacina; Trametes gibbosa; Gymnopilus penetrans; Gymnopus confluens; Stropharia caerulea; Geastrum fimbriatum; Russula sardonia; Volvariella pusilla; Cyathus striatus; Galerina vittiformis; Clavulinopsis luteo-alba; Geoglossum cookeianum; Russula xeramplina and the myxo Lycogala epidendrum.

15th October 2011 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - Alas the fungus season is drawing to a close and Marbury certainly reflected that today with a struggle had to compile a list. After 2 walks and approximately 4 hours in total the end result was 54 happy forayers and a total species count of 54species. The list comprised of:- Bjerkandera adusta; Rhopographus filicinus; Agaricus arvensis; Coprinellus disseminatus; Scleroderma verrucosum; Hypoxylon multiforme; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Trichaptum abietinum; Trochila ilicina; Dacrymyces stillatus; Nectria cinnabarina; Hypholoma fasciculare; Bolbitius titubans; Trametes versicolor; Psathyrella candolleana; Aleuria aurantia; Laccaria tortilis; Laccaria laccata; Scleroderma citrinum; Collybia butyracea; Russula ochroleuca; Xylaria hypoxylon; Chondrostereum purpureum; Clitocybe nebularis; Auricularia auricula-judae; Suillus grevellei; Ganoderma australe; Taphrina betulina; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Mycena galopus; Rhytisma acerinum; Gymnopus peronatus; Lactarius turpis; Boletus rubellus; Peniophora quercina; Piptoporus betulinus; Rhytisma acerinum; Lepista flaccida; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Paxillus involutus; Pholiota squarrosa; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Mutinus caninus; Bulgaria inquinans; Lepista nuda; Exidia glandulosa; Xylaria longipes; Merulius tremellosus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Phallus impudicus; Trametes gibbosa; Scutellinia scutellata; Bjerkandera fumosa and Leptosphaeria acuta.

9th October 2011 - Nunsmere Hall/Hogshead Lane, Cheshire - And yet again here we are at Nunsmere Hall for the annual foray - now where has the time gone and much more to the point where has the mushroom season gone. This was a struggle and 21 of us set off with a bacon baps and tea/coffee to start with a pub lunch at midway after another tea break and then scones and tea to finish. The end result was an average 54 species noted but despite this everyone had a good day, the species were nicely varied and this is the list as it stands:- Boletus edulis; Russula nobilis; Lactarius blennius; Rickenella fibula; Rickenella swartzii; Scleroderma citrinum; Russula farinipes; Laccaria laccata; Cordyceps militaris; Amanita muscaria; Trametes versicolor; Rhopographus filicinus; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Tremella mesenterica; Helvella lacunosa; Piptoporus betulinus; Leccinum scabrum; Vuilleminia comedens; Lactarius glyciosmus; Phallus impudicus; Calocera cornea; Schizopora paradoxa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Hypoxylon multiforme; Lepista flaccida; Lycoperdon perlatum; Geastrum triplex; Inocybe geophylla; Nectria cinnabarina; Dacrymyces stillatus; Leptosphaeria acuta; Rhytisma acerinum; Tricholoma fulvum; Lactarius torminosus; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Tricholoma imbricatum; Lactarius pubescens; Collybia butyracea; Suillus luteus; Coprinus comatus; Calvatia excipuliformis; Thelephora terrestris; Laccaria tortilis; Xerula radicata; Leccinum varicolor; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Arrhenia retiruga; Galerina clavata; Crepidotus cesatii; Clavulinopsis helvola; Octospora rutilans; Peziza badia and Cystoderma amianthinum.

8th October 2011 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - Doing a walk for Mere Sands Wood is a privilege and one I really do appreciate. One of my favourite reserves and one where I cut my fungal teeth today had high expectations and after a slow start the list eventually grew and was topped up with a swift half hour extra mooch making a total of 85 species. The list compiled by the 20 of us in attendance was as follows:- Rhopographus filicinus; Trametes versicolor; Scleroderma citrinum; Hypoxylon multiforme; Ischnoderma benzoinum; Nectria cinnabarina; Stereum rameale; Lactarius tabidus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Lycoperdon perlatum; Ganoderma australe; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Phallus impudicus; Russula ochroleuca; Piptoporus betulinus; Laetiporus sulphureus; Postia stipticus; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Trochila ilicina; Pleurotus ostreatus; Pluteus cervinus; Auricularia auricula-judae; Grifola frondosa; Pholiota squarrosa; Inonotus radiatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Collybia dryophila; Clitocybe nebularis; Stereum hirsutum; Xylaria polymorpha; Dacrymyces stillatus; Chlorociboria aeruginascens; Laccaria laccata; Auriscalpium vulgare; Hygrophorus hypothejus; Calocera cornea; Collybia maculata; Tricholomopsis rutilans; Mycena galopus; Lactarius turpis; Tricholoma fulvum; Puccinia poarum; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Leptosphaeria acuta; Callorina fusaroides; Fistulina hepatica; Geastrum triplex; Pleurotus cornucopiae; Russula nigricans; Peniophora quercina; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Trichaptum abietinum; Boletus edulis; Mycena galopus var. alba; Clitocybe fragrans; Lactarius quietus; Collybia butyracea; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Amanita muscaria; Paxillus involutus; Amanita fulva; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Chondrostereum purpureum; Heterobasidion annosum; Gymnopilus penetrans; Boletus badius; Rhytisma acerinum; Exidia nucleata; Datronia mollis; Daldinia concentrica; Mycena galericulata; Coprinus comatus; Psathyrella candolleana; Amanita rubescens; Skeletocutis amorpha; Scutellinia scutellata; Schizopora paradoxa; Psathyrella spadicea; Rutstroemia firma; Crepidotus cesatii; Crepidotus variabilis; Tarzetta catinus; Dasyscyphus sulphureus and the myxo Fuligo septica.

6th October 2011 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - Despite having a bit of ticker trouble and some wicked winds and rain the walk with the Wilmslow Naturalist Society was leisurely and very enjoyable. We crawled along in truth and barely covered any ground but still managed a decent 50 species. The list was:- Stereum hirsutum; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Pluteus cervinus; Rhytisma acerinum; Rickenella fibula; Trochila ilicina; Xylaria hypoxylon; Peniophora quercina; Scleroderma citrinum; Pholiota gummosa; Gymnopilus junonius; Bjerkandera adusta; Psathyrella hydrophila; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia auricula-judae; Pholiota squarrosa; Dacrymyces stillatus; Ganoderma australe; Calocera cornea; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Mycena galericulata; Trametes gibbosa; Pleurotus ostreatus; Cordyceps militaris; Suillus grevellei; Nectria cinnabarina; Meripilus giganteus; Psathyrella candolleana; Russula farinipes; Collybia butyracea; Laccaria laccata; Cystoderma amianthinum; Hygrocybe virginea; Bolbitius titubans; Collybia dryophila; Leptosphaeria acuta; Calocera glossoides; Mycena inclinata; Grifola frondosa; Trichaptum abietinum; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Phaeolus schweinitzii; Hygrocybe pratensis; Calvatia utriformis; Fistulina hepatica; Hygrocybe irrigata; Calyptella capula; Clavulinopsis helvola; Hygrocybe insipida and Macrolepiota procera.

Just to add I suggested Boletus porosporus in the field as it had all the characteristics of this species but after taking a little piece just to confirm spore shape the only thing that was confirmed is that I was wrong. What it was is beyond me due to not taking enough material and boletus fungi being absolute swines to ID! Also the small cup fungus on a stalk I expected to have ascus (flasks containing 8 spores) when I looked down the scope did in fact have basidia thus making this a spore dropper rather than a spore shooter however an ID was eventually made of this nettle stem loving fungus - Calyptella capula. Buggers these 'shrooms tha' knows!

2nd October 2011 - Moore NR, Cheshire - After yesterdays heatwave today it was still warm but the sky was grey and the odd shower tried its best to ruin the day. With the ground like a dust bowl we expected a hard do indeed with predictions of about 30 species bandied about. After a good mooch with a total group of 22 and a bit of after hours microscopy the list ended up at a very acceptable 67 species, which were:- Phellinus ignarius; Lactarius glyciosmus; Clitocybe odora; Macrolepiota procera; Paxillus involutus; Hygrocybe virginea; Scleroderma verrucosum; Mycena galericulata; Hygrocybe psittacina; Rhopographus filicinus; Russula ochroleuca; Scleroderma citrinum; Amanita muscaria; Grifola frondosa; Rickenella fibula; Cordyceps militaris; Polyporus leptocephalus; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Xylaria hypoxylon; Marasmius rameale; Agrocybe erebia; Geastrum triplex; Psathyrella candolleana; Lepista flaccida; Lepiota cristata; Mycena pura; Coprinus comatus; Clitocybe nebularis; Clitocybe fragrans; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Entoloma rhodopolium; Stereum hirsutum; Armillaria gallica; Coprinellus micaceus; Pluteus cervinus; Xylaria longipes; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Mycena arcangeliana; Hypholoma fasciculare; Piptoporus betulinus; Collybia butyracea; Trametes gibbosa; Cystoderma amianthinum; Rhytisma acerinum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Nectria cinnabarina; Auricularia auricula-judae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Hygrocybe pratensis; Daldinia fissa; Collybia dryophila; Laccaria laccata; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Bovista nigrescens; Stropharia aeruginosa; Hygrocybe glutinipes; Hygrocybe ceracea; Clavulinopsis helvola; Bisporella sulfurina; Laccaria tortilis; Hygrocybe irrigata; Callorina neglecta; Hymenoscyphus herbarum; Hygrocybe splendissima; Hygrocybe acutoconica var. konradii and Pluteus petasatus. 

Thanks to Michael Jordan for the identification of the latter 3 species.

1st October 2011 - Arley Hall, Cheshire - Incredibly hot conditions didn't bode well for the two walks here today and the list, as it turned out, was far from spectacular but over the course of the day a few species were had. The final list of 37 for the 48 people that turned up is as thus:- Rhytisma acerinum; Trochila ilicina; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Rickenella fibula; Boletus erythropus; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Russula sororia; Clavulina rugosum; Bolbitius titubans; Hypholoma fasciculare; Russula atropurpurea; Nectria cinnabarina; Hypoxylon multiforme; Xylaria hypoxylon; Armillaria gallica; Lactarius turpis; Cystoderma amianthinum; Taphrina betulina; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Lycoperdon perlatum; Tricholoma fulvum; Clitopilus prunulus; Chalciporus piperatus; Lactarius glyciosmus; Hygrocybe psittacina; Amanita muscaria; Coprinus comatus; Stereum hirsutum; Lacrymaria velutina; Thelephora terrestris; Piptoporus betulinus; Paxillus involutus; Pholiota alnicola; Leccinum scabrum; Lycoperdon nigrescens and Hygrocybe laeta.

Note must be made to people attending a Fungalpunk walk in the future that emphasis is lain on appreciating, understanding and respecting the fungal world and not designed to encourage foraging for edibles. Today I was questioned about this and due explanation was given although a couple of species were still seen to be taken. This is such a shame as these are private grounds and the edibles found were in no great condition anyway. As a result, on future outings I will be a hard pushed to discuss edibility and the locations of species I deem to be a target for foodies. My task is to teach people about the wild world and see to it that others go out and help look after all of its glory. I would feel darn disappointed if I thought that people were coming on my walks to gather information to then go away and rape a woodland. Sorry folks but that is how it is!

Finally thanks to all who turned up, the brave young chap who tasted an Ugly Milkcap and a Peppery Bolete and Helen and the staff for being so welcoming and the free slices of cake and cups of tea for myself and the good lady wife after a days hunting.

25th September 2011 - Coombes Valley RSPB, Staffordshire - The third Fungalpunk Foray at this wonderful area and fingers were crossed for a good turn-out of both people and 'shrooms. 25 of us set of and the species found totalled 81. The list comprised of:- Lepista flaccida; Daldinia concentrica; Trochila ilicina; Scleroderma areolatum; Xylaria hypoxylon; Skeletocutis nivea; Rhopographus filicinus; Lactarius turpis; Mycena pura; Bolbitius titubans; Hygrocybe virginea; Hygrocybe psittacina; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Laccaria amethystea; Scleroderma verrucosum; Laccaria laccata; Paxillus involutus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Cortinarius delibutus; Lactarius glyciosmus; Rhytisma acerinum; Stereum hirsutum; Lactarius pyrogalus; Lactarius camphoratus; Xylaria carpophila; Xylaria polymorpha; Taphrina betula; Lactarius blennius; Mycena galericulata; Peniophora quercina; Stropharia semiglobata; Clitopilus prunulus; Hypoxylon multiforme; Trametes versicolor; Merulius tremellosus; Collybia dryophila; Gymnopus confluens; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Russula nigricans; Leccinum variicolor; Scleroderma citrinum; Amanita rubescens; Amanita excelsa var. spissa; Dacrymyces stillatus; Hypocrea pulvinata; Stereum gausapatum; Hymenochaete rubiginosa; Postia stiptica; Postia subcaesia; Hypholoma fasciculare; Armillaria gallica; Piptoporus betulinus; Mycena acicula; Meripilus giganteus; Russula betularum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Russula ochroleuca; Rickenella fibula; Nectria cinnabarina; Calocera cornea; Calocera glossoides; Pluteus cervinus; Cudoniella acicularis; Tricholoma fulvum; Collybia butyracea; Lactarius tabidus; Leccinum scabrum; Amanita muscaria; Phallus impudicus; Mycena inclinata; Porphyrellus porphyrosporus; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Crepidotus cesatii; Crepidotus variabilis; Bisporella citrina; Hygrocybe intermedia; Clavulina rugosa; Hapalopilus nidulans; Mycena pearsoniana; Mycena arcangeliana and the myxo Mucilago crustacea.

24th September 2011 - Leyland Park, Hindley, Lancashire - A quick mooch around the area were I spent most of my wreckless youth produced 13 species. These were:- Hygrocybe virgineum; Hygrocybe irrigata; Hygrocybe pratensis; Hygrocybe psittacina; Hygrocybe glutinipes; Rickenella swartzii; Hypholoma fasciculare; Laccaria laccata; Coprinopsis lagopus; Coprinellus disemminatus; Gymnopilus junonius; Volvariella speciosa and Mycena falvoalba.

Note: Hygrocybe glutinipes took a little time to finally name but spore size, habitat, viscid cap and stipe, striate margin to cap and regular gill trama all pointed this way along with a general feel to the species.

21st September 2011 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - The first of 2 forays at this fine venue with this first one for FWAG crew. I am still unconvinced by this years fungal fruiting but despite no great abundance of species a list of 77 species was still put together with 25 pairs of eyes all contributing. These were:- Scleroderma areolatum; Coprinus comatus; Agaricus xanthoderma; Lactarius blennius; Leccinum scabrum; Xylaria hypoxylon; Hypholoma fasciculare; Helvella crispa; Russula ochroleuca; Amanita rubescens; Collybia dryophila; Lepista flaccida; Amanita muscaria; Lactarius tabidus; Nectria cinnabarina; Boletus edulis; Piptoporus betulinus; Rhytisma acerinum; Tricholoma fulvum; Russula betularum; Lycoperdon perlatum; Lactarius vietus; Hypomyces chrysopsermus; Collybia butyracea; Lactarius torminosus; Lactarius pubescens; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Geastrum triplex; Paxillus involutus; Russula nobilis; Laccaria laccata; Clitopilus prunulus; Rickenella fibula; Lactarius glyciosmus; Helvella lacunosa; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Hygrocybe psittacina; Gymnopus confluens; Macrolepiota rhacodes; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Bjerkandera adusta; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Phallus impudicus; Trametes versicolor; Tricholoma ustale; Hypoxylon multiforme; Lactarius turpis; Boletus rubellus; Trochila ilicina; Heterobasidion annosum; Leccinum variicolor; Xylaria longipes; Collybia peronata; Tricholomopsis rutilans; Collybia maculata; Scleroderma citrinum; Trichaptum abietinum; Taphrina betulina; Stropharia caerulea; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Otidea bufonia; Lactarius deliciosus; Laccaria amethystea; Stereum hirsutum; Oudemansiella mucida; Auricularia auricula-judae; Dacrymyces stillatus; Cudoniella acicularis; Schizopora paradoxa; Tarzetta cupularis; Xerocomus cisalpinus; Clavulimopsis helvola; Tricholoma imbricatum; Melanoleuca arcuata and Marasmius androsaceus.

18th September 2011 - Runcorn Hill NR, Cheshire - A real trial today with conditions seemingly spot on but the fungi just not being there. 18 of us set off and the return was a paltry 34 species. We tried, boy did we try, but alas if the fungi don't wanna fruit there ain't nowt we can do. The list was:- Lycoperdon pyriforme; Daldinia concentrica; Trochila ilicina; Hygrocybe psittacina; Rhytisma acerinum; Bolbitius titubans; Scleroderma areolatum; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Piptoporus betulinus; Auricularia auricula-judae; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Rhopographus filicinus; Scleroderma citrinum; Trametes versicolor; Hypoxylon multiforme; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Stereum hirsutum; Schizopora paradoxa; Coprinopsis lagopus; Flammulina velutipes; Daldinia fissa; Paxillus involutus; Russula ochroleuca; Amanita muscaria; Hypholoma fasciculare; Boletus pulverulentus; Agaricus langei; Geastrum triplex; Laccaria laccata; Meripilus giganteus; Hyphodontia sambuci; Peniophora quercina; Clavulinopsis laeticolor and Xylaria hypoxylon.

14th September 2011 - Davenport, Stockport, Cheshire - 2 specimens of Leccinum scabrum and 1 Amanita muscaria were growing in their usual spot.

11th September 2011 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - 14 people started the walk and off we set in yet more dry conditions. Finds were hampered also slightly by the fact that person's had been seen the previous week filling bags with fungi for what I believe were for culinary use. This over-picking is alas a reflection of the fat pig, greedy, selfish society in which we live and if the people responsible spend a few extra days on the toilet or have a good bout of sickness due to their actions I certainly won't lose any sleep. Fungi play an integral role and contribute greatly to the health of an environment - please if you want to take some for the table then use common sense and leave at least 75% behind. Anyway despite the struggle we still managed to clock up a list of 97 species which were:- Leotia lubrica; Clavaria rugosa; Diatrype disciformis; Lactarius blennius; Collybia butyracea; Clavulinopsis fusiformis; Peziza badia; Postia subcaesia; Hygrocybe psittacina; Helvella lacunosa; Gomphidius maculatus; Inonotus radiatus; Hygrocybe pratensis; Nectria cinnabarina; Mycena galericulata; Daldinia concentrica; Tubaria furfuracea; Russula amoenolens; Mycena galopus; Auricularia mesenterica; Calvatia excipuliformis; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Trametes gibbosa; Coprinellus disseminatus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Scleroderma areolatum; Laccaria laccata; Amanita rubescens; Ganoderma australe; Lepiota cristata; Clavulina cristata; Coprinopsis lagopus; Paxillus involutus; Rhytisma acerinum; Pseudocraterellus undulatus; Laccaria amethystea; Russula atropurpurea; Lactarius quietus; Scleroderma citrinum; Bjerkandera adusta; Schizopora paradoxa; Crepidotus mollis; Polyporus tuberaster; Xylaria hypoxylon; Stereum hirsutum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Tricholoma fulvum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Trametes versicolor; Boletus badius; Clitopilus prunulus; Boletus edulis; Peniophora quercina; Clitocybe odora; Piptoporus betulinus; Russula ochroleuca; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Dacrymyces stillatus; Postia caesia; Leccinum scabrum; Phallus impudicus; Suillus grevellei; Rickenella fibula; Gymnopilus penetrans; Lactarius camphoratus; Collybia peronata; Rhopographus filicinus; Amanita muscaria; Lactarius tabidus; Trichaptum abietinum; Hypomyces chrysopermus; Psathyrella candolleana; Lactarius glyciosmus; Boletus badius; Lactarius pyrogalus; Chalciporus piperatus; Lactarius turpis; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia auricular-judae; Thelephora terrestris; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Coprinellus micaceus; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Mycena arcangeliana; Collybia confluens; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Mycena rosea; Agrocybe erebia; Tricholoma ustaloides; Xylaria longipes; Tricholoma scalpturatum; Clavulina cinerea; Tarzetta cupularis and Lactarius pubescens.

10th September 2011 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire - 20 people and a good mooch in surprisingly dry conditions with many obvious species not present. The list comprised of 87 species which were:- Coprinopsis atramentaria; Stropharia aurantiaca; Pholiota gummosa; Scleroderma verrucosum; Coprinellus micaceus; Piptoporus betulinus; Mycena galopus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Polyporus tuberaster; Gymnopilus penetrans; Lepiota cristata; Hypoxylon multiforme; Phallus impudicus; Russula ochroleuca; Pluteus salicinus; Lycoperdon perlatum; Lactarius turpis; Boletus badius; Paxillus involutus; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Scleroderma citrinum; Lactarius glyciosmus; Lactarius tabidus; Collybia dryophila; Russula betularum; Laccaria laccata; Amanita muscaria; Amanita fulva; Scutellinia scutellata; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Psathyrella candolleana; Calocera viscosa; Trichaptum abietinum; Marasmius androsaceus; Trochila ilicina; Rickenella fibula; Bjerkandera adusta; Exidia glandulosa; Russula atropurpurea; Collybia confluens; Rhopographus filicinus; Trametes versicolor; Tricholoma fulvum; Lactarius blennius; Boletus edulis; Fistulina hepatica; Collybia peronata; Rhytisma acerinum; Stereum rugosum; Aleuria aurantia; Chalciporus piperatus; Pluteus cervinus; Hyphodontia sambuci; Cudoniella acicularis; Daldinia concentrica; Collybia butyracea; Coprinellus disseminatus; Mycena arcangeliana; Stereum hirsutum; Heterobasidion annosum; Leccinum variicolor; Hypocrea pulvinata; Amanita excelsa var. spissa; Laccaria amethystea; Clitopilus prunulus; Russula nobilis; Boletus erythropus; Suillus grevellei; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Collybia maculata; Agaricus langei; Pleurotus cornucopiae; Suillus variegatus; Suillus bovinus; Russula farinipes; Russula amoenolens; Russula nitida; Clitocybe clavipes; Agaricus bisporus; Agaricus bitorquis; Tricholoma ustale; Agaricus arvensis; Melanoleuca arcuata; Russula fragilis var. fragilis; Inocybe griseolilacina and the slime molds Tubifera ferruginosa and Fuligo septica.

4th September 2011 - Styal CP, Cheshire - A swift wander with the eye on the clock still turned up 49 species, which were:- Trametes versicolor; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Rhytisma acerinum; Gymnopilus penetrans; Collybia dryophila; Stereum hirsutum; Boletus pulverulentus; Trametes gibbosa; Armillaria gallica; Mycena arcangeliana; Lactarius blennius; Laccaria amethystea; Coprinellus micaceus; Fistulina hepatica; Trochila ilicina; Phallus impudicus; Coprinellus disseminatus; Datronia mollis; Scleroderma citrinum; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Lactarius quietus; Laccaria laccata; Russula ochroleuca; Nectria cinnabarina; Suillus grevellei; Bolbitius titubans; Calocera cornea; Postia caesia; Lycogala epidendrum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Piptoporus betulinus; Hypoxylon multiforme; Meripilus giganteus; Peniophora quercina; Bjerkandera adusta; Collybia confluens; Pluteus cervinus; Chondrostereum purpureum; Hyphodontia sambucii; Psathyrella artemisiae; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Coprinus lagopus; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Leucopaxillus giganteus; Agrocybe rivulosa; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Melanotus horizontalis and Scleroderma verrucosum.

3rd September 2011 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - A walk was given today for a couple as a birthday present from hubby to missus. Near enough 5 hours in the fields produced a list of 54 species despite the very dry conditions. A few samples were taken by the couple for a birthday tea no doubt and overall a good mooch was had. The list compiled was:- Trametes versicolor; Stereum hirsutum; Mycena epipterygia; Scutellinia scutellata; Collybia confluens; Gymnopilus penetrans; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Russula atropurpurea; Cudoniella acicularis; Amanita crocea; Chalciporus piperatus; Leccinum versipelle; Lactarius glyciosmus; Amanita muscaria; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Amanita rubescens; Scleroderma citrinum; Boletus badius; Suillus grevellei; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Postia caesia; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Collybia butyracea; Hypholoma fasciculare; Collybia peronata; Piptoporus betulinus; Leotia lubrica; Lycoperdon perlatum; Russula ochroleuca; Leccinum scabrum; Schizopora paradoxa; Nectria cinnabarina; Peniophora quercina; Bjerkandera adusta; Ganoderma australe; Laccaria amethystea; Lactarius quietus; Lactarius pyrogalus; Paxillus involutus; Tricholoma ustaloides; Russula nigricans; Auricularia auricular-judae; Coprinellus disseminatus; Rhytisma acerinum; Trametes gibbosa; Tricholoma fulvum; Boletus subtomentosus; Laccaria laccata; Polyporus squammosus; Lactarius camphoratus and Clavulina cristata.

1st September 2011 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - For me the official start of the fungal season proper and where better place to look than at this fine National Trust property. With the Young Carers crew for assistance we came up with 38 species, these were:- Leucopaxillus giganteus; Stereum hirsutum; Russula ochroleuca; Scleroderma citrinum; Collybia dryophila; Gymnopolis junonius; Lycogala epidendrum; Bjerkandera adusta; Meripilus giganteus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Calocera cornea; Laetiporus sulphureus; Russula atropurpurea; Auricularia auricular-judae; Trametes gibbosa; Lactarius quietus; Coprinellus micaceus; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Bolbitius titubans; Calvatia utriformis; Macrolepiota procera; Boletus luridiformis; Piptoporus betulinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Bolbitius titubans; Russula nigricans; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Trametes versicolor; Peniophora quercina; Amanita rubescens; Marasmius oreades; Hirschioporus abietinus; Hygrocybe intermedia; Russula ionochlora; Collybia peronata; Entoloma chalybeum var. lazulinum; Boletus badius and Hypholoma fasciculare.

29th August 2011 - Clun Gwyn, Brecknockshire/Powys - A wander whilst waiting for the young un' produced 6 species proving that this year's fungal explosion had not yet taken place. The species seen were:- Rhytisma acerinum; Skeletocutis nivea; Scleroderma citrinum; Piptoporus betulinus; Russula ochroleuca and Paxillus involutus.

28th August 2011 - Llwyn Onn Reservoir, Brecknockshire/Powys - Great weather escorted us as 16 species were uncovered:- Lyophyllum connatum; Lacrymaria velutipes; Russula ochroleuca; Trichomolopsis rutilans; Laccaria laccata; Phallus impudicus; Calocera viscosa; Postia caesia; Gloeophyllum sepiarium; Paxillus involutus; Entoloma rhodopolium; Amanita vaginata; Rhopographus filicinus; Collybia dryophila; Leccinum versipelle and Inocybe griseolilacina.

28th August 2011 - Craig Cerrig-gleisiad, Brecon Beacons, Brecknockshire/Powys - An upward walk meant eyes were facing down with 4 species observed, these were:- Hygrocybe reidii; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Stropharia semiglobata and Entoloma chalybeum var. chalybeum.

28th August 2011 - Garwnant Forest, Brecon Beacons, Brecknockshire/Powys - A nice area this with lots to see although the fungal season had yet to explode. Nevertheless 14 species were located which were:- Gomphidius maculatus; Suillus grevellei; Paxillus involutus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Stereum hirsutum; Russula ochroleuca; Chalciporus piperatus; Cystoderma amianthinum; Amanita vaginata; Russula emetica; Stereum sanguinolentum; Gloeophyllum sepiarium; Calocera pallido-spathulata and Calocera viscosa.

27th August 2011 - Blaen Y Glyn, Brecon Beacons, Brecknockshire/Powys - Russula ochroleuca; Pluteus cervinus; Taphrina alni and Mycena galopus were the only 4 specimens spotted.

27th August 2011 - Llangorse, Brecon Beacons, Brecknockshire/Powys - A general reccie with an impressive specimen of Ganoderma resinaceum seen at the base of a living Oak tree.

27th August 2011 - Mynydd Illtyd, Brecon Beacons, Brecknockshire/Powys - Whilst checking out the local scenery 5 species were spotted and identified. Bovista plumbea; Trochila ilicina; Stropharia semiglobata; Daedaleopsis confragosa and Russula cyanoxantha made up the small list.

26th August 2011 - The Waterfalls, Brecon Beacons, Brecknockshire/Powys - A shortish walk resulted in the finding of 24 species. These were:- Leptoglossum retirugum; Mucilago crustacea; Daldinia concentrica; Cantharellus cibarius; Rhytisma acerinum; Paxillus involutus; Rhopographus filicinus; Ascocoryne sarcoides; Laetiporus sulphureus; Crepidotus mollis; Piptoporus betulinus; Postia subcaesia; Cordyceps militaris; Lactarius piperatus; Stereum hirsutum; Mycena arcangeliana; Scleroderma citrinum; Russula virescens; Russula atropurpurea; Rickenella fibula; Amanita vaginata; Trametes versicolor; Porphyrellus porphyrosporus and Lactarius volemus.

24th August 2011 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - The 20 species seen today were:- Lactarius tabidus; Trametes versicolor; Paxillus involutus; Nectria cinnabarina; Trichaptum abietinus; Gymnopolis penetrans; Pluteus cervinus; Scleroderma citrinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Heterobasidion annosum; Lepiota cristata; Laccaria laccata; Hypholoma fasciculare; Russula ochroleuca; Laetiporus sulphureus; Piptoporus betulinus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Phallus impudicus; Amanita fulva and Hypoxylon multiforme.

20th August 2011 - Rostherene House/Tatton Park, Cheshire - A shortish wander in dry conditions and remarkably warm sunshine resulted in the following 23 species :- Trochila ilicina; Rhytisma acerinum; Laccaria laccata; Macrolepiota procera; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Trametes gibbosa; Amanita rubescens; Laccaria amethystea; Meripilus giganteus; Bjerkandera adusta; Stereum hirsutum; Laetiporus sulphureus; Russula atropurpurea; Dacrymyces stillatus; Puccinia lagenophorae; Boletus pruinatus; Peniophora quercina Xerocomus porosporus; Xerocomus cisalpinus; Piptoporus betulinus; Crepidotus cesatii; Parasola leiocephala and Collybia confluens.

14th August 2011 - Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - Psathyrella candolleana and Leccinum variicolor were all that were noted on a brief walk.

11th August 2011 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - A stroll in the rain with the Young Carers from work was had to do a bit of Balsam Bashing. Along the way we noted the following 31 species:- Amanita crocea; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Stereum hirsutum; Boletus badius; Suillus grevellei; Laccaria laccata; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Mycena galopus; Oxyporus populinus; Leccinum versipelle; Polyporus squammosus; Polyporus leptocephalus; Clavulina cristata; Auricularia auricular-judae; Leotia lubrica; Boletus erythropus; Trametes gibbosa; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Trametes versicolor; Piptoporus betulinus; Phallus impudicus; Russula ochroleuca; Hyphodontia sambuci; Amanita rubescens; Amanita spissa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Leccinum cyaneobasileucum; Nectria cinnabarina; Russula betularum and Paxillus involutus.

9th August 2011 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Paxillus validus was noted further along from where I last recorded it - must be spreading!

8th August 2011 - Fernilee Reservoir, Derbyshire - Another mooch with the kids from work in yet more pouring rain produced 12 species. These were:- Rhytisma acerinum; Mucilago crustacea; Lactarius tabidus; Oudemansiella mucida; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Russula ochroleuca; Phallus impudicus; Suillus grevellei; Russula nigricans; Amanita fulva; Hypomyces chrysospermus and Piptoporus betulinus.

4th August 2011 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - A mooch with the kids from work came up with 6 species:- Amanita muscaria; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Hypoxylon multiforme; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Amanita rubescens and Chalciporus piperatus.

1st August 2011 - Sandwich Bay, Kent - A wander for butterflies produced 2 rust fungus which were:- Puccinia punctiformis on Thistle and Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae on the anthers of White Campion.

29th July 2011 - The Reptile Centre, New Forest, Hampshire - A swift wander came up with 7 species. These were:- Russula vesca; Amanita fulva; Amanita phalloides; Phallus impudicus (egg stage); Russula virescens; Leccinum scabrum and Scleroderma citrinum.

29th July 2011 - Eyeworth Reservoir, New Forest, Hampshire - Sue and Alan of the Hampshire Fungus Group invited us across again and delighted our fungalised eyes with a host of species some of which are very rare to out northern peepers. The final list of 48 was:- Amanita spissa; Laccaria amethystea; Lactarius tabidus; Fuligo septica; Stereum hirsutum; Trochila ilicina; Bjerkandera adusta; Ganoderma australe; Hydnum repandum; Mycena haematopus; Phellinus ferreus; Leccinum schizophyllum; Amanita fulva; Trametes gibbosa; Russula anthrocina; Postia subcaesia; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Psathyrella candolleana; Cantharellus cibarius; Tricholoma ustale; Polyporus leptocephalus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Russula nigricans; Russula vesca; Collybia fusipes; Boletus appendiculatus; Amanita rubescens; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Leccinum scabrum; Ceriporiopsis gilvescens; Schizopora paradoxa; Pleurotus ostreatus; Ceriporiopsis pannocincta; Lachnum virgineum; Russula risigallina; Volviarella bombycina; Lactarius quietus; Tylopilus felleus; Russula atropurpurea; Calocera viscosa; Russula violepes; Megacollybia platyphylla; Russula virescens; Leccinum pulchrum; Auricularia mesenterica; Scleroderma citrinum; Hymenochaete rubiginosa and Russula rubellus.

28th July 2011 - Winfrith Heath, Dorset - A nosey at the local Bog Orchids and a potter in the woods produced the following 10 species:- Paxillus involutus; Leccinum scabrum; Amanita rubescens; Clavulina cristata; Lactarius tabidus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Piptoporus betulinus; Polyporus leptocephalus; Russula ochroleuca and Amanita fulva.

26th July 2011 - Chickerell Rifle Range, Dorset - Lactarius controversus was noted in a hedgerow.

26th July 2011 - Chickerell Downs, Dorset - Scleroderma verrucosum and Thaprina alni were noticed whilst once again seeking out the six-legged critters.

25th July 2011 - Lydlinch Common, Dorset - Microbotryum silenes-dioicae was noticed whilst pottering for insects.

19th July 2011 - Alexander Park, Stockport, Cheshire - A group of 5 Agaricus augustus seen growing under a sycamore tree.

19th July 2011 - Davenport, Stockport, Cheshire - Dacrymyces stillatus and Russula ochroleuca in fruit.

16th July 2011 - Weaver Park, Cheshire - 5 species seen, which were:- Taphrina alni; Coprinellus disseminatus; Agrocybe rivulosa and some fresh Nectria cinnabarina and Daedaleopsis confragosa.

14th July 2011 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - What I believe to be Puccinia epilobii was located on the leaves of Greater Willowherb in the back garden - bit of a rarity I hear (or perhaps just under recorded). The fact is though that this was Puccinia pulverulenta and not what I had thought it to be. Mr Chris Yeates helped with the ID and I'd be a fool to argue with this expert of the rusts! Cheers man!

12th July 2011 - Anderton Nature Reserve, Cheshire - A walk with the Burton Manor Gardening Club in search of other things produced 6 fungal specimens. These were:- Triphragmium ulmariae; Puccinia pulverulenta; Puccinia poarum; Puccinia punctiformis; a dried up Auricularia auricular-judae and some fresh Scleroderma verrucosum.

10th July 2011 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A wander that was brief due to commitments elsewhere produced Catinella olivacea; Macrolepiota procera and Trametes gibbosa.

4th July 2011 - Stockport, Cheshire - A large ring of Collybia confluens were seen on the way home from work.

26th June 2011 - Chadkirk Chapel, Stockport, Cheshire - 11 fresh species today made up of Bjerkandera adusta; Laccaria laccata; Tubaria furfuracea; Hypholoma fasciculare; Bolbitius titubans; Nectria cinnabarina; Pluteus cervinus; Stereum hirsutum; Auricularia auricula-judae; Kretzschmaria deusta and Laccaria amethystea.

10th June 2011 - Torkington Park, Stockport, Cheshire -Volvariella speciosa on woodchip.

9th June 2011 - Weaver Park, Cheshire - 5 species which were:- Puccinia poarum; Puccinia punctiformis; Puccinia urticata; a very old Chondrostereum purpureum and the find of the day (by my good lady) Alder Tongue (Taphrina alni) no less.

2nd June 2011 - Anderton NR, Cheshire - 3 species, namely Puccinia poarum, Puccinia pulverulenta and Triphragmium ulmaria were all that were seen on a day looking for bugs.

1st June 2011 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - 9 old specimens included Geastrum triplex; Piptoporus betulinus; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Hypoxylon multiforme; Lycoperdon perlatum; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia auricular-judae with fresh species discovered being Amanita rubescens; Parasola plicatilis; Mollisia cinerea; Phallus impudicus; Coprinellus micaceus making a total of 14. After some microscopy Catinella olivacea was added to round off the list to 15 species.

29th May 2011 - Frodsham Marsh, Cheshire - Puccinia pulverulentum on Willowherb; Puccinia poarum on old Colts-Foot leaves; Puccinia punctiformis and Thistle; Melampsorella symphyti on Comfrey; Puccinia arenariae on Red Campion and Puccinia magnusiana on Creeping Buttercup were seen whilst wandering around in search of bird life.

23rd May 2011 - Cale Green Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Puccinia vincae seen for the first time this year.

19th May 2011 - Alexander Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Coprinopsis lagopus on woodchip - surprise, surprise!

19th May 2011 - Davenport, Stockport, Cheshire - Psathyrella candolleana back in its usual place but the question is - How many times will it bear fruit this year?

15th May 2011 - Fernilee/Errwood Reservoir, Derbyshire - Puccinia urticata was noted for the first time this year on what was a miserable day weather wise.

8th May 2011 - Abney Hall, Cheshire - Puccinia tumida on Pignut - a new one for us and yet another rust fungus sought and seen.

2nd May 2011 - Gait Barrows, Lancashire - 2 species in conditions that just get drier. Agrocybe rivulosa on woodchip and an all time new for us - Puccinia betonicae.

1st May 2011 - Brereton Heath, Cheshire - 7 species noted which were Datronia mollis; Rhopographus filicinus; Fomes fomentarius; Piptoporus betulinus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Trametes versicolor and Bjerkandera adusta.

29th April 2011 - Millers Dale, Derbyshire - Polyporus squammosa; Uromyces dactylidis; Uromyces ficariae; Puccinia sessilis; Triphragmium ulmariae; Trachyspora intrusa; Melampsora populnea and an abundance of Microbotryum violaceum made up the small list. To make it to 10 species Puccinia galii-verni and Phragmidium sanguisorbae were confirmed by rust expert Chris Yeates. Cheers dude!

25th April 2011 - Pennington Flash, Lancashire - 3 species again today which were Polyporus squammosus; Puccinia punctiformis and Calocybe gambosum.

24th April 2011 - Middlewood Way, Cheshire - 3 species noted which were Calocybe gambosum; Trametes versicolor and Puccinia pulverulenta.

22nd April 2011 - Weaver Park, Cheshire - 10 species noted which were:- Bolbitius titubans; Hypoxylon multiforme; Geastrum triplex; Handkea excipuliformis; Microbotryum violaceum; Coprinopsis lagopus; Trametes versicolor; Puccinia punctiformis; Piptoporus betulinus and the myxomycete Reticularia lycoperdon.

19th April 2011 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - A walk in dry conditions with very little about produced a few nice surprises. 13 Species were identified which were:- Kretzschmaria deusta; Bauhinus marginalis; Polyporus squammosus; Uromyces dactylidis; Puccinia sessilis; Polyporus brumalis; Piptoporus betulinus; Hypocrea pulvinata; Phragmidium violaceum; Puccinia chaerophylli; Trachyspora intrusa and the myxomycete Reticularia lycoperdon.

18th April 2011 - Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - A walk with group member Ben Gillespie to look at a few of his recent finds produced 13 fruiting bodies of Verpa conica as well as some nice clumps of Lyophyllum decastes and several rings of Calocybe gambosum. Add to this Polyporus leptocephalus; Coprinopsis lagopus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Coprinellus micaceus; Puccinia sessilis; Uromyces dactylidis and an all time new for us all, namely Helvella acetabulum and the walk was well worth the effort despite my kidney stones giving serious pain and forcing me to pass a little blood along the way - nasty! Entoloma clypeatum was later added after ID was confirmed by M. Jordan.

15th April 2011 - Torkington Park, Cheshire - Puccinia violae was noted whilst trying to photograph those busy Tawny Mining Bees.

13th April 2011 - Moss Bank Park, Bolton, Lancashire - A cluster of Coprinopsis atramentaria were located whilst playing on the park with the Young Carers from work. Inocybe rimosa was later identified by M. Jordan.

13th April 2011 - Smithills CP, Bolton, Lancashire - Hypoxylon fragiforme; Pleurotus ostreatrus; Bjerkandera adusta; Auricularia auricula-judae; Trametes versicolor and Trametes gibbosa were all that were on show on a chilly day.

10th April 2011 - Churchtown Farm, Cornwall - Daldinia concentrica and Microbotryum violaceum were noted on yet another sun-filled walk.

9th April 2011 - Warleigh Point, Devon - Kretzschmaria deusta; Hypholoma fasciculare; Pluteus cervinus; Trametes versicolor and Microbotryum violaceum were spotted on a grand walk in beautiful weather.

9th April 2011 - China Fleet Golf Club, Cornwall - A nice ring of St Georges Mushrooms (Calocybe gambosum) was seen.

9th April 2011 - Saltash, Cornwall - Puccinia smyrnii was noted on Alexanders leaves.

5th April 2011 - Stockport, Cheshire - A cluster of Coprinopsis atramentaria were showing at the roadside whilst walking home from work.

31st March 2011 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - Hypholoma fasciculare and the myxo Reticularia lycoperdon were seen on what was primarily a birding mooch.

30th March 2011 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - Puccinia lagenophorae on Groundsel leaves was all that was seen during a walk into the town centre.

28th March 2011 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - A wander in good sunshine to clear our heads and my good lady Gill turns up 6 cups of Caloscypha fulgens. Top spot! All I could add was the usual with Kretzschmaria deusta a new one for the year and Datronia mollis always a good one to turn up..

27th March 2011 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Chondrostereum purpureum; Uromyces dactylidis and Puccinia sessilis all abundant.

26th March 2011 - Chadkirk Chapel, Cheshire - Xylaria carpohila; Uromyces dactylidis and Puccinia sessilis were noted. After microscopy Coprinus domesticus and Dasyscyphus virgineus were also added to the list.

24th March 2011 - Torkington Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Uromyces muscari and Callorina fusarioides both observed whilst looking around the car park at work.

22nd March 2011 - Torkington Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Uromyces dactylidis was noted on the leaves of Lesser Celandine.

21st March 2011 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - Rossellinia mammiformis on a log in the garden was identified by Mr Jordan again - cheers man.

20th March 2011 - Roman Lakes, Stockport, Cheshire - Crappy rain was had and only 5 species seen, which were Rhytisma acerinum; Trametes versicolor; Piptoporus betulinus; Chondrostereum purpureum and Stereum hirsutum.

I found an obscure little dull job and sent accordingly to Mr Jordan at the ABFG - Psathyrella bifrons is the answer - never bloody heard of it and great appreciation to MJ once again. Well worth the subscription fee!

13th March 2011 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - A walk with a few members in ever increasing sunshine came up with the following 18 species:- Callorina fusarioides; Stereum hirsutum; Auricularia mesenterica; Coprinellus micaceus; Rhytisma acerinum; Piptoporus betulinus; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Dacrymyces stillatus; Hypoxylon multiforme; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia auricula-judae; Trametes versicolor; Flammulina velutipes; Tubaria furfuracea; Trametes gibbosa; Pleurotus ostreatus; Taphrina betulina and the myxomycete Reticularia lycoperdon.

6th March 2011 - Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - A stroll in the sunshine only produced Crepidotus mollis, Trametes versicolor and Hypholoma fasciculare.

5th March 2011 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - A wander here was taken after having heard a small patch of Caloscypha fulgens was located earlier in the week. With no directions we thought we'd have a look and turned up 5 groups in separate areas in clusters of 26, 10, 2, 28 and 2 respectively. Also seen on the day were 21 other species which were:- Ischnoderma benzoinum; Heterobasidion annosum; Auriscalpium vulgare; Trametes gibbosa; Polyporus brumalis; Phlebia radiata; Bjerkandera adusta; Tubaria furfuracea; Exidia glandulosa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Peniophora quercina; Coprinellus micaceus; Hirschioporus abietinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Hypocrea pulvinata; Rhopographus filicinus; Piptoporus betulinus; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Hypoxylon multiforme and Dacrymyces stillatus.

5th March 2011 - Cuerden Valley CP, Lancashire - A quiet stroll with only 9 species seen but potential uncovered for an autumnal wander. the species seen today were:- Daedaleopsis confragosa; Trametes versicolor; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia auricula-judae; Rhytisma acerinum; Hypoxylon multiforme; Piptoporus betulinus; Hypocrea pulvinata and Rhopographus filicinus.

28th February 2011 - Stockport, Cheshire - After the sudden and gentle rise in temperatures the first batch of Coprinellus micaceus was seen on the way to work.

27th February 2011 - River Mersey/Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - The usual 2 hour wander was done with many usual species but Daldina fissa so close to home was great to find and it was good to discover Uromyces muscari so early on in the season without having to plough through loads of Bluebell leafage later on.

24th February 2011 - Torkington Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Cuminisiella mirabillissima seen on Mahonia species was the only found found whilst taking a break from work in sunny weather.

12th February 2011 - Chadkirk Chapel, Cheshire - A wander after a game of tennis was had so as to unwind my aching legs. The 19 species seen were:- Tubaria furfuracea; Bjerkandera adusta; Auricularia auricula-judae; Trametes versicolor; Hyphodontia sambuci; Flammulina velutipes; Datronia mollis; Dacrymyces stillatus; Polyporus brumalis; Trametes gibbosa; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Nectria cinnabarina; Daldinia concentrica; Piptoporus betulinus; Trochila ilicina; Rhytisma acerinum and Melanotus horizontalis with the last two species added to the list being Leptosphaeria acuta and Callorina fusarioides which were both found on old Nettle stems.

6th February 2011 - Moore NR, Warrington, Cheshire - A walk with a few members of the group a couple of who are with the Altrincham Naturalists Society and one with the North West Fungus Group resulted in a list of 49 species although I am sure I have missed some off. The list to date is:- Exidia glandulosa; Tubaria furfuracea; Bjerkandera adusta; Auricularia auricula-judae; Schizopora paradoxa; Flammulina velutipes; Scleroderma citrinum; Xylaria hypoxylon; Nectria cinnabarina; Sarcoscypha austriaca; Peniophora quercina; Chondrostereum purpureum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Exidia nucleata; Stereum rameale; Hypoxylon multiforme; Polyporus leptocephalus; Phellinus igniarius; Daldinia fissa; Exidia recisa; Bisporella sulfurina; Rhytisma acerinum; Trametes versicolor; Datronia mollis; Pleurotus ostreatus; Trametes gibbosa; Piptoporus betulinus; Calocera cornea; Phlebia tremellosa; Rutstroemia firma; Hyphodontia sambuci; Vuillemina comedens; Melanotus horizontalis; Tremella mesenterica; Stereum hirsutum; Dacrymyces stillatus and an old Lycoperdon perlatum. Now added to the list thanks to the ID skills (and memory) of Tony Carter of the North West Fungus Group are:- Mycena olida; Diatrype bullata; Stereum rugosum; Ascocoryne sarcoides; Mycena arcangeliana; Diatrypella quercina; Lycoperdon excipuliforme; Peniophora incarnata; Phellinus ferruginosus Radulomyces confluens; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma and Galerina vittiformis.

Thanks to Ann, Mags, Selwyn, Tony and Alicia for turning up and providing good company and of course my lovely lady. Oh and not forgetting eager beaver Nip of course!

2nd February 2011 - Torkington Park, Stockport, Cheshire - A stroll to clear my head from work resulted in sightings of Tubaria furfuracea; Rhytisma acerinum; Xylaria carpophila and Trochila ilicina.

30th January 2011 - Styal CP, Cheshire - As we make sure we stay active a walk at this decent enough site was rewarded with 26 species, which were:- Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Rhopographus filicinus; Rhytisma acerinum; Auricularia auricula-judae; Schizopora paradoxa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Polyporus leptocephalus; Daldinia concentrica; Phellinus igniarius; Pleurotus ostreatus; Trametes gibbosa; Flammulina velutipes; Bjerkandera adusta; Panellus serotinus; Trichoderma viride; Hyphodontia sambuci; Exidia glandulosa; Exidia nucleata; Sarcoscypha austriaca; Ganoderma applanatum; Trametes suaveolens and Hymenoscyphus calyculus. Cheers to Mr Jordan for confirmation of the latter two species.

29th January 2011 - Fernilee/Errwood Reservoir, Derbyshire - Only 10 species today with the list being:- Rhytisma acerinum; Piptoporus betulinus; Stereum hirsutum; Rhopographus filicinus; Trochila ilicina; Taphrina betulina; Xylaria hypoxylon; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Daedalea quercina and Polyporus leptocephalus.

23rd January 2011 - Eaves Wood, Lancashire - 15 species at this site which I am sure produces the goods during the autumnal season. The list today was:- Xylaria hypoxylon; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Flammulina velutipes; Bjerkandera adusta; Rhytisma acerinum; Auricularia auricula-judae; Hypoxylon multiforme; Exidia nucleata; Chondrostereum purpureum; Piptoporus betulinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Rhopographus filicinus; Hirschioporus abietinus and Hypoxylon fragiforme.

23rd January 2011 - Bottom's Wood, Woodwell, Lancashire - The 9 species seen were:- Flammulina velutipes; Tubaria furfuracea; Stereum hirsutum; Xylaria hypoxylon; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Auricularia auricula-judae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Bjerkandera adusta and Exidia nucleata.

23rd January 2011 - Leighton Moss, Lancashire - I know I am adding quite a few lists at the mo with the usual suspect on each one but it is good to know what's out there at this time of year. After the hard winter (which is still hanging in) it is good to know that many species are still easily found. Only 6 species here which were:- Auricularia auricula-judae; Daldinia concentrica; Xylaria hypoxylon; Flammulina velutipes; Daedaleopsis confragosa and Vuillemina comedens.

22nd January 2011 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - And yet again a cold, grey day but no rain so shouldn't moan. A wander in search of early species threw up a list of 38 with several old specimens from last year thrown in. The species seen were:- Hymenochaete rubiginosa; Stereum hirsutum; Xylaria hypoxylon; Dacrymyces stillatus; Pleurotus ostreatus; Pholiota squarrosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia auricula-judae; Ganoderma australe; Trametes gibbosa; Hapalopilus nidulans; Meripilus giganteus; Schizopora paradoxa; Hirschioporus abietinus; Trichoderma viride; Rhytisma acerinum; Hypocrea pulvinata; Piptoporus betulinus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Hypoxylon multiforme; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Collybia butyracea; Panellus serotinus; Polyporus leptocephalus; Polyporus brumalis; Datronia mollis; Xylaria carpophila; Schizophyllum commune; Exidia nucleata; Nectria cinnabarina; Phlebia radiata; Trochila ilicina; Flammulina velutipes; Exidia glandulosa; Stereum rameale; Tubaria furfuracea and Daldinia concentrica.

22nd January 2011 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - Whilst feeding the birds it was noted that Velvet Shank (Flammulina velutipes) is growing on our ornamental Acer.

16th January 2011 - Etherow CP, Stockport, Cheshire – And still the weather is poor. Grey, raining but alas not too cold so I suppose emphasis should be made on the positive side of things. Nevertheless not a day to dawdle and 28 species wasn't a bad haul at all I thought. The list was:- Trametes gibbosa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia auricula-judae; Ganoderma australe; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Oxyporus populinus; Peniophora quercina; Nectria cinnabarina; Flammulina velutipes; Piptoporus betulinus; Exidia glandulosa; Rhopographus filicinus; Hyphodontia sambuci; Dacrymyces stillatus; Tremella foliocea; Panellus serotinus; Vuillemina comedens; Bjerkandera adusta; Daldinia concentrica; Rhytisma acerinum; Chondrostereum purpureum; Bulgar inquinans; Auricularia mesenterica; Xylaria carpophila; Polyporus brumalis; Geastrum triplex and Lycoperdon pyriforme.

15th January 2011 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire – A wander in the grimy grey to stretch the legs resulted in the sighting of 17 fungal species, which were:- Flammulina velutipes; Exidia nucleata; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia auricula-judae; Rhytisma acerinum; Ganoderma resinaceum; Stereum hirsutum; Tremella aurantia; Trametes gibbosa; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Vuilleminia comedens; Dacrymyces stillatus; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Nectria cinnabarina; Crepidotus cesatii and Exidia glandulosa.

It was good to see Tremella aurantia actually growing on the fruiting body of Stereum hirsutum something which I have never come across beore despite the well known relationship between the two species.

14th January 2011 - Torkington Park, Stockport, Cheshire - A cluster of Tubaria furfuracea were noted on woodchip. Confirmation of this confusing group was given by Michael Jordan.

9th January 2011 - Moore NR, Warrington, Cheshire – A stroll around brought us a list of 26 species many of which were only to be expected at this time of year and with a couple of good species for the annual list. The species seen were:- Flammulina velutipes; Exidia nucleata; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia auricula-judae; Rhytisma acerinum; Hyphodontia sambuci; Stereum hirsutum; Polyporus leptocephalus; Peniophora quercina; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Bulgar inquinans; Chondrostereum purpureum; Trametes gibbosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Mycena arcangeliana; Hypoxylon multiforme; Piptoporus betulinus; Datronia mollis; Mycena galericulata; Dacrymyces stillatus; Nectria cinnabarina; Rutstroemia firma; Daldinia fissa and Exidia recisa.

The latter two species were on burnt Gorse and Willow respectively.

8th January 2011 -Chorlton WP, Greater Manchester - The first wander of the year at Chorlton Water Park and 15 species clocked up. The list was:- Trametes gibbosa; Flammulina velutipes; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia mesenterica; Rhytisma acerinum; Pleurotus ostreatus; Auricularia auricula-judae; Crepidotus mollis; Nectria cinnabarina; Exidia nucleata; Crepidotus cesatii; Stereum hirsutum; Hypoxylon multiforme and Gloeophyllum sepiarium.

5 January 2011 - Alexander Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Usual bracket suspects included Trametes gibbosa; Stereum hirsutum and Trametes versicolor.

4 January 2011 - Croxteth Hall, Lancashire - 12 species were noted on an easy stroll:- Pleurotus ostreatus; Auricularia auricula-judae; Stereum hirsutum; Daldinia concentrica; Trametes gibbosa; Trametes versicolor; Flammulina velutipes; Rhytisma acerinum; Chondrostereum purpureum; Bjerkandera adusta; Xylaria hypoxylon and Dacrymyces stillatus.

3 January 2011 - Marton Mere, Lancashire - A birding trip produced nothing more than Flammulina velutipes; Dacrymyces stillatus and Auricularia auricula-judae.

1 January 2011 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - A wander in the dank, grey conditions resulted in the following 21 fungal specimens being noted:- Exidia nucleata; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia auricula-judae; Stereum hirsutum; Panellus serotinus; Hypoxylon multiforme; Nectria cinnabarina; Rhytisma acerinum; Phlebia radiata; Flammulina velutipes; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes gibbosa; Calocera cornea; Hyphodontia sambuci; Piptoporus betulinus; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Polyporus brumalis; Chondrostereum purpureum; Hypoxylon fragiforme and Rhopographus filicinus.