FUNGAL SIGHTINGS

News from within and outside the area.

27 December 2009 - Chadkirk Chapel, Stockport, Cheshire - A stroll to ease the Christmas creaks and why not keep the eyes peeled for a few fungi? Datronia mollis, Panellus serotinus; Xylaria hypoxylon; Pleurotus ostreatus; Stereum hirsutum; Bjerkandera adusta; Auricularia auricula-judae; Trametes versicolor and Exidia nucleata were all that was found on an icy, rainy wander.

14 December 2009 - Alexander Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Chlorophyllum rhacodes found beneath a garden Leylandii type tree.

13 December 2009 - Redbrow Wood, Cheshire - A late decision to have a quick mooch around Etherow CP was aborted when a change of plan was had at the last minute after warden Steve informed us about this nearby site. Myself, good lady and John Taylor decided it was worth a look and spent 2 and a half hours browsing the area. The list of 30 species was:- Trametes versicolor; Hypholoma fasciculare; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Leotia lubrica; Laccaria laccata; Rhytisma acerinum; Panellus serotinus; Daldinia concentrica; Coprinus micaceus; Bjerkandera adusta; Xylaria longipes; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Xylaria hypoxylon; Piptoporus betulinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Flamulina velutipes; Postia subcaesia; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Trametes gibbosa; Auricularia auricula-judae; Clitocybe gibba; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Russula nigricans; Eutypa spinosa and Hyphodontia sambuci. The list was topped up by John Taylor and some solid microscopy which resulted in the addition of Biscognauxia nummularia; Cylindrobasidium laeve; Oxyporus populinis and Coprinopsis semitalis. A couple of these I wouldn't have known where to start with so a very generous thanks to John for his excellent company and assistance. Apologies too for being so busy and not getting around to doing my bit of microscopic homework - I really must try and stretch these 24 hours a day a bit further.

6 December 2009 - Abney Hall, Cheshire - Another quick stroll during a hectic weekend resulted in 29 species identified. The list was:- Crepidotus mollis; Crepidotus cesatii; Exidia nucleata; Calocera cornea; Rhytisma acerinum; Auricularia auricula-judae; Trametes versicolor; Trametes gibbosa; Dacrymyces stillatus; Coniophora puteana; Hypoxylon multiforme; Nectria cinnabarina; Coprinus micaceus; Bjerkandera adusta; Clitocybe nebularis; Lepista flaccida; Stereum hirsutum; Meripilus giganteus; Piptoporus betulinus; Inonotus dryadeus; Hygrocybe pratensis; Pholiota squarrosa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Hypholoma fasciculare; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Tremella aurantia; Ganoderma resinaceum; Agaricus xanthoderma and Vuilleminia comedens.

28th November 2009 - Siding Lane LNR, Lancashire - A quick mooch resulted in a small harvest of Jews Ear Fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) which will be used for a snack. Other than that this cold area only gave Chondrostereum purpureum; Coprinus micaceus; Piptoporus betulinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes gibbosa and Bjerkandera adusta.

28th November 2009 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - A few hours spare - what a shocker! So we ended up at one of our favourite haunts and had a nice stroll picking up the following 40 fungal specimens along the way:-Piptoporus betulinus; Coprinellus disseminatus; Xylaria hypoxylon; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Hypoxylon multiforme; Exidia nucleata; Nectria cinnabarina; Mycena galopus; Stereum ramealis; Rhytisma acerinum; Lactarius glyciosmus; Russula nigricans; Gymnopolis penetrans; Hirschioporus abietinus; Stereum hirsutum; Dacrymyces stillatus; Heterobasidion annosum; Trametes gibbosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Coprinus micaceus; Clitocybe fragrans; Trametes versicolor; Hypholoma fasciculare; Scleroderma citrinum; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Russula ochroleuca; Lepista nuda; Phlebia tremellosa; Panellus serotinus; Meripilus giganteus; Lactarius tabidus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Chondrostereum purpureum; Laccaria laccata; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Ascocoryne sarcoides; Crepidotus luteolus; Russula betularum and Phallus impudicus.

26th November 2009 - Stockport, Cheshire - The legs still ache but I saw Coprinus disseminatus for the first time this year so not all bad.

25th November 2009 - Alexander Park, Stockport, Cheshire - On creaking legs after another game of tennis and a 3.8 mile walk my eye was attracted to a fallen beech tree. Bjerkandera adusta; Dacrymyces stillatus; Trametes gibbosa; Hypholoma fasciculare, Exidia glandulosa and Crepidotus mollis had all taken up residence.

20th November 2009 - Stockport, Cheshire - Another week of work resulted in seeing a fresh Stropharia aurantiaca on aged woodchip, a new Leccinum scabrum in the usual spot and an increase in the troop of Inocybe geophylla.

13th November 2009 - Stockport, Cheshire - Walking to and from work this week along busy roads resulted in sightings of Hypholoma fasciculare, Paxillus involutus, fresh Leccinum scabrum and newly emerged Inocybe geophylla both normal form and lilacina.

7th November 2009 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - A quick stroll around this public area that we haven't visited at all this year as far I can remember was pleasurable in the autumnal sunshine. The 28 species seen were:- Postia subcaesia; Auricularia auricula-judae; Bjerkandera adusta; Stereum hirsutum; Rhytisma acerinum; Nectria cinnabarina; Hypoxylon multiforme; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes gibbosa; Crepidotus mollis; Leccinum scabrum; Exidea nucleata; Clitocybe nebularis; Pholiota squarrosa; Macrotyphula fistulosa; Lepista nuda; Gloeophyllum separium; Mycena galericulata; Hypholoma fasciculare; Auricularia mesenterica; Flammulina velutipes; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Coprinus comatus; Stropharia caerulea; Tremella mesenterica; Pluteus cervinus and Calocera cornea.

31 October 2009 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - And once again here we are back at Tatton. 6 of us went for a cracking stroll and can I say just say thank you to all for their cracking company throughout the day. The weather was spot on and in truth we compiled a pretty decent list although I took a little too many specimens home and overfaced myself somewhat. Nonetheless I feel the day was a success and the full list of 83 is as follows (with perhaps one or two to add if I can get the microscopy time):- Collybia confluens; Gymnopolis penetrans; Panellus serotinus; Macrolepiota procera; Macrolepiota rhacodes; Ganoderma resinaceum; Grifiola frondosa; Scleroderma citrinum; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Coniophora puteana; Ischnoderma benzoinum; Piptoporus betulinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Diatrype disciformis; Daldinia concentrica; Psilocybe semilanceata; Fistulina hepatica; Stropharia caerulea; Scutellinia scutellata; Ganoderma australe; Russula ochroleuca; Mycena arcangeliana; Rickenella fibula; Rickenella swartzii; Hygrocybe pratensis; Hygrocybe quieta; Hygrocybe nivea; Laetiporus sulphureus; Pazillus involutus; Suillus grevellei; Pholiota squarrosa; Mycena pura; Boletus edulis; Clitocybe nebularis; Trametes versicolor; Pluteus cervinus; Oudemansiella mucida; Pleurotus ostreatus; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Gymnopilus junonius; Dacrymyces stillatus; Trametes gibbosa; Mycena inclinata; Stropharia hydrophila; Collybia butyracea; Phlebia radiata; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Rhytisma acerinum; Cordyceps militaris; Mycena galopus; Bisporella citrina; Mollisa cinerea; Hypholoma fasciculare; Helvella crispa; Schizopora paradoxa; Clitocybe odora; Armillaria gallica; Laccaria laccata; Pleurotus pulmonarius; Bolbitius titubans; Amanita muscaria; Cystoderma amianthinum; Trichoderma viride; Xylaria hypoxylon; Coprinus micaceus; Stereum hirsutum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Datronia mollis; Auricularia auricula-judae; Exidia glandulosa; Hapalopilus nidulans; Bjerkandera adusta; Calocera cornea; Agaricus campestris; Parasola leiocephalus; Chondrostereum purpureum; Hygrocybe chlorophana; Hypholoma capnoides; Coprinus domesticus; Hygocybe miniata; Coprinellus xanthothrix and Clavulinopsis subtilis. Thanks to Michael Jordan for the last 3 confirmations - great stuff as per usual.

29 October 2009 - Dunham Massey NT, Cheshire - Another working trip with the Young Carers gang and a few fungal specimens were found. Mostly common stuff with the list of 26 species comprising of:- Lycoperdon pyriforme; Auricularia auricula-judae; Armillaria gallica; Pholiota squarrosa; Lactarius quietus; Stereum hisutum; Trametes gibbosa; Phlebia radiata; Calocera cornea; Trametes versicolor; Mycena inclinata; Psilocybe semilanceata; Rhytisma acerinum; Pluteus cervinus; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Xylaria hypoxylon; Scleroderma citrinum; Laccaria laccata; Collybia butyracea; Hypholoma fasciculare; Fistulina hepatica; Bolbitius titubans; Cystoderma amianthinum; Rickenella fibula; Datronia mollis and Merulius tremellosus.

28 October 2009 - Styal CP, Cheshire - Today we should have been in Portland enjoying the middle day of a week long trip but finances said no. A chance to go to Ainsdale was also missed out upon as my wife has got a knackered arm and shoulder at the moment and is struggling to do anything let alone drive a longish distance. Styal was agreed upon as the trip out and a briskish walk was had to clear a few cobwebs. The following 47 fungi were found along the way:- Collybia butyracea; Scutellinia umbrarum; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Paxillus involutus; Suillus grevellei; Pluteus cervinus; Mycena pura; Neobulgaria pura; Russula ochroleuca; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Amanita muscaria; Amanita vaginata; Laccaria laccata; Laccaria amethystea; Postia caesia; Hypoxylon multiforme; Xylaria polymorpha; Rhytisma acerinum; Stropharia aeruginosa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Coprinus micaceus; Trametes versicolor; Bjerkandera adusta; Dacrymyces stillatus; Stereum hirsutum; Hirschioporus abietinus; Mycena galericulata; Armillaria gallica; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Schizopora paradoxa; Trametes gibbosa; Crepidotus mollis; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Auricularia auricula-judae; Heterobasidion annosum; Clitocybe nebularis; Trochila ilicina; Pholiota squarrosa; Mycena inclinata; Oudemansiella mucida; Piptoporus betulinus; Inonotus dryadeus; Ganoderma australe; Parasola plicatilis; Rutstroemia firma and Hypholoma fasciculare.

27 October 2009 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - Back at the park again this time with some Young Carers from work in tow. Species found other than what was seen two days earlier were:- Grifola frondosa; Cordyceps militaris; Laccaria laccata; Pluteus cervinus; Lepista nuda; Mycena pura; Suillus grevellei; Meripilus giganteus; Rickenella swartzii; Chondrostereum purpureum; Amanita muscaria; Phlebia radiata; Daldinia concentrica; Fistulina hepatica; Diatrype disciformis; Panellus serotinus; Pleurotus pulmonarius and Nectria cinnabarina.

25 October 2009 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - Misdirected enthusiasm can be a real pain in the proverbials when one is dog tired and pushed for time. Today I thought that after dropping my daughter and her best fried off to gym that both myself and my grand lady could get to Tatton Park, record and photograph some mushrooms and get back in time for when they get home. Add to this another bad nights sleep and my general inadequacies with the camera and chances were that I would come home in a grumpy mood with no photographs. How people find the time to take photo's and process them properly is beyond me and I find it just interferes with the many other things we have to do as a family. Anyway as in the words of the Sex Pistols (well almost anyway) Never mind the bollocks, here's the list of 41 species:- Ganoderma resinaceum; Piptoporus betulinus; Hygrocybe irrigata; Hygrocybe pratensis; Hygrocybe nivea; Psilocybe semilanceata; Rhytisma acerinum; Mycena galericulata; Pholiota squarrosa; Gymnopilus junonius; Dacrymyces stillatus; Stereum hirsutum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Hapalopilus nidulans; Bjerkandera adusta; Auricularia auricula-judae; Trametes gibbosa; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Calocera viscosa; Pleurotus ostreatus; Coprinus micaceus; Exidia glandulosa; Armillaria gallica; Bolbitius titubans; Cystoderma amianthinum; Oudemansiella mucida; Laccaria amethystea; Collybia butyracea; Hypholoma fasciculare; Peniophora quercina; Russula ochroleuca; Scleroderma citrinum; Trametes versicolor; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Xylaria hypoxylon; Rickenella fibula; Macrolepiota procera; Amanita rubescens; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Hirschioporus abietinus; Ganoderma australe and Clitocybe nebularis. Yes I came home grumpy but after confirming Ganoderma resinaceum I was a little calmer at the days end.

24 October 2009 - Abney Hall, Cheshire - A quick early morning stroll to wake our weary heads and a bit of mooching was had. The 26 species found were Hypholoma fasciculare; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Trochila ilicina; Mycena galericulata; Trametes gibbosa; Rhytisma acerinum; Coprinus micaceus; Meripilus giganteus; Flammulina velutipes; Pleurotus ostreatus; Hypoxylon multiforme; Xylaria hypoxylon; Xylaria fragiforme; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Piptoporus betulinus; Amanita muscaria; Chalciporus Piperatus; Entoloma conferendum; Coprinus plicatilis; Ganoderma australe; Inonotus dryadeus; Hygrocybe ceracea; Melanoleuca arcuata; Coprinus micaceus and Leccinum scabrum.

18 October 2009 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - With aching legs, a buggered back and a tired noggin I struggled today but managed to last the course and end up with a list of 75 species. 28 punters came and went in phases and a few young tinkers were in the mix who left this old punk swine befuddled. What's this, what's that, why does that grow there etc.? These little sponges kept me on my toes so apologies to the older generation if I appeared to be distracted. Keeping up with the nippers and trying to maintain a list ain't no easy task believe me ha, ha. Anyway not a bad list in still poor conditions and a decent way to round off my public walks for 2009. The list was:-Rhytisma acerinum; Postia subcaesia; Dacrymyces stillatus; Coprinus comatus; Ganoderma australe; Trametes gibbosa; Armillaria gallica; Trametes versicolor; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Piptoporus betulinus; Parasola leiocephalus; Leotia lubrica; Laccaria laccata; Laccaria amethystea; Datronia mollis; Helvella crispa; Stereum hirsutum; Russula ochroleuca; Leccinum scabrum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Scleroderma citrinum; Scleroderma areolatum; Heterobasidion annosum; Boletus badius; Mycena inclinata; Xylaria hypoxylon; Clavariadelphus junceus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Phallus impudicus; Trochila ilicina; Gymnopolis penetrans; Amanita muscaria; Cudoniella acicularis; Pluteus umbrosus; Pholiota squarrosa; Pluteus cervinus; Hyphodontia sambuci; Rickenella fibula; Hygrocybe reidii; Suillus grevellei; Gomphidus maculatus; Xylaria carpophila; Nectria cinnabarina; Mycena pura; Clavulina cinerea; Lactarius blennius; Schizopora paradoxa; Clavaria fragilis; Postia stiptica; Hypoxylon multiforme; Daldinia concentrica; Mycena galopus; Lactarius turpis; Russula atropurpurea; Auricularia auricula-judae; Clitocybe nebularis; Stereum rugosum; Lactarius pubescens; Amanita rubescens; Tricholoma fulvum; Mycena acicula; Geastrum triplex; Paxillus involutus; Auricularia mesenterica; Inonotus radiatus; Scutellinia scutellata; Neobulgaria pura; Clavulinopsis fusiformis; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Crepidotus cesatii; Mycena diosma; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Entoloma sericatum and Agrocybe erebia. Add this this one myxomycete, Lycogala epidendrum and the jobs not a bad un'. As per usual more microscopy is needed to further the list and with two late working nights I just hope I can get around to it.

17 October 2009 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - Ok weather you got me beat but it won't stop todays walk from being a profitable time. In fact I thoroughly enjoyed the wander and would like to thank all 31 attendants for making it a nice day. Special thanks once again to Mark Huntley for letting us have a mid-foray break on the hotels terracing and for the refreshing coffee too - great stuff. So what did we come up with? Well enough to keep us chatting and to hopefully inspire some newcomers to take time out and enjoy what the mycological word has to offer. I didn't keep a list but this is what I have managed to scramble together from my addled brain and others notes - please e-mail me if you can remember any ones I have missed. The 45 species list was:- Amanita rubescens; Russula ochroleuca; Piptoporus betulinus; Clitocybe nebularis; Trametes versicolor; Peniophora quercina; Lacatrius turpis; Lactarius pubescens; Lactarius torminosus; Amanita muscaria; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Paxillus involutus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Coprinus lagopides; Scleroderma citrinum; Lycoperdon perlatum; Datronia mollis; Hypoxylon multiforme; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Xylaria hypoxylon; Bjerkandera adusta; Heterobasidion annosum; Trochila ilicina; Mycena swartzii; Rickenella fibula; Helvella lacunosa; Boletus badius; Collybia maculata; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Collybia butyracea; Mycena pura; Geastrum triplex; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Laetiporus sulphureus; Cystoderma amianthinum; Taphrina betulina; Coprinus micaceus; Scleroderma areolatum; Parasola plicatilis; Postia stiptica; Rhytisma acerinum; Apiocrea chrysosperma; Tricholoma fulvum and after everyone had gone Fungal Friends members Jan and Richard Brown noticed an old Calvatia gigantea near the car park - sorry folks. A few need microscope work so hopefully once again I can top up this count - bear with me.

Obviously something of interest on the lawn

Perhaps if I hypnotise the mushie it will tell me its name

Ok we give in - get the books out

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The books didn't work so we burnt them but what's that growing on the charred wood

16 October 2009 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - A reccie around the grounds with my good lady and Karen Lawson from Record which is the Local Biological Records Centre serving Cheshire, Halton, Warrington and Wirral. Again bone dry and the season it seems will not happen now. The best of the crop was Hypholoma capnoides a species only seen once before by myself and one which needed microscopic work.

11 October 2009 - Moore NR, Cheshire - The conditions were still not good enough to produce many species and the North West Fungus Group who had visited 3 weeks prior to my foray gave reports of a real struggle to amass any kind of list. A quick mooch with the warden an hour before today's event did little to encourage me and I felt as though we were heading for a real let down. 31 of us set off and almost at once the heavens opened and left us all damp and despondent. Nonetheless we had a steady trickle of species and the list grew slowly. 41 in total at the time of writing and I feel that was more than expected. Thanks to John Taylor for a few extras and his always valuable pointers and hopefully after a bit of microscopy by myself and John the list may just touch the half century mark. The list so far is:- Scleroderma areolatum; Scleroderma citrinum; Stereum hirsutum; Stereum rameale; Lactarius turpis; Russula ochroleuca; Collybia peronata; Collybia confluens; Amanita muscaria; Coprinus micaceus; Diatrypella quercina; Hypholoma fasciculare; Mycena galopus var nigra; Cordyceps militaris; Schizopora paradoxa; Clitopilus prunulus; Rhytisma acerinum; Armillaria gallica; Coprinus comatus; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Nectria cinnabarina; Auricularia auricula-judae; Bjerkandera adusta; Piptoporus betulinus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Collybia butyracea; Pholiota squarrosa; Xylaria longipes; Xylaria hypoxylon; Hypoxylon multiforme; Hyphodontia sambuci; Paxillus involutus; Bolbitius titubans; Pleurotus ostreatus; Trametes versicolor; Hygrocybe pratensis; Meripilus giganteus; Cystodrerma amianthinum; Mycena galericulata; Calvatia giganteus and Kuehneromyces mutabilis.

10 October 2009 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - 2 walks today with sessions at 10am - midday and 1pm until 3pm. 25 of us set off on the first walk and 20 of us on the second with a combined list of 44 species. The weather again had taken its toll and the number of species just wasn't there but I think we still did fairly well and all seemed to have a grand old mooch. The list was:- Psilocybe cyanescens; Aleuria aurantiaca; Trochila ilicina; Clitocybe nebularis; Coprinus micaceus; Paxillus involutus; Amanita muscaria; Stereum hirsutum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Auricularia auricula-judae; Rhytisma acerinum; Nectria cinnabarina; Coprinus comatus; Xylaria hypoxylon; Xylaria polymorpha; Hypholoma fasciculare; Hyphodontia sambuci; Phallus impudicus; Mutinus caninus; Armillaria gallica; Mycena galericulata; Trametes gibbosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Scleroderma citrinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Russula ochroleuca; Daldinia concentrica; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Trametes versicolor; Hypoxylon multiforme; Ganoderma australe; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Pluteus cervinus; Pleurotus ostreatus; Parasola plicatilis; Cystoderma amianthium; Gymnopolis junonius; Dacrymyces stillatus; Stropharia aurantiaca; Schizopora paradoxa; Laccaria laccata; Lacatrius turpis; Collybia confluens; Coprinus lagopus; Coprinus domesticus; Ischnoderma benzoinum and Piptoporus betulinus. A couple more need further scrutiny so check back to see if I have got any further. Thank you to Frances and Joanne for their marvellous efforts today and the of course the end of foray cup of tea - lovely. So maybe not the greatest list in the world but I thought the interest was maintained and there was just enough on both walks to chat about and mull over. Just to add when the walk was over we had a quick 15 minute wind down by strolling around the arboretum and back to the car pack. During this wander my daughter found a small cup fungus growing on a Turkey Oak cup. In the pot it went and after a few microscopic viewings a short list was drawn up. Discussions with Tony Carter of the North West Fungus Group narrowed things down a bit as he told me of a recent find of his that had been sent to Kew after they had shown a distinct interest. Microscopic photographs were sent from Tony and after several comparisons it was concluded I had indeed found the same species. Lanzia echinophila was named and was a first for us and very much a lucky find. Cheers to my daughter Katie for discovering it and thanks to Tony for his kind advice that got me to the right conclusion.

4 October 2009 - Chadkirk Chapel, Cheshire - 7 of us at it today with yet more parched ground greeting us. To say these dry conditions are getting on my wick would be a bloody understatement but on with the show we must go. Somehow 49 species were found which consisted of Trametes gibbosa; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Calvatia gigantea; Rhytisma acerinum; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Pholiota squarrosa; Tubaria furfuracea; Coprinus micaceus; Datronia mollis; Scutellinia scutellata; Nectria cinnabarina; Bjerkandera adusta; Laccaria amethystea; Ganoderma australe; Diatrype disciformis; Xerula radicata; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Pluteus cervinus; Laccaria laccata; Russula nigricans; Boletus chrysenteron; Daldinia concentrica; Auricularia auricula-judae; Russula ochroleuca; Xylaria hypoxylon; Pholiota squarrosus; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Armillaria gallica; Hypholoma fasciculare; Laccaria amethystea; Gymnopolis junonius; Amanita excelsa; Meripilus giganteus; Collybia maculata; Lactarius blennius; Amanita rubescens; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Mycena galericulata; Clitocybe nebularis; Peniophora quercina; Pluerotus ostreatus; Schizopora paradoxa; Mycena galopus; Phlebia radiata; Cudoniella acicularis; Coprinus comatus; Phallus impudicus; Biscogniauxia nummularia; Ganoderma applanatum; Coprinus radians and Pleurotus dryinus.

3 October 2009 - Coombes Valley RSPB, Staffordshire - 23 of us set off on yet another dry conditions fungal foray (aaagghhh) and came up with a poor 37 species. I say poor because surely this area has more to offer. Alas the species just weren't there and so we made do with what we actually did find. The list was as follows:- Lactarius glyciosmus; Hypoxylon fuscum; Pleurotus ostreatus; Trametes versicolor; Ganoderma australe; Daldinia concentrica; Scleroderma verrucosum; Hygrocybe nivea; Pluteus cervinus; Hymenochaete rubiginosa; Amanita rubescens; Meripilus giganteus; Grifola frondosa; Trochila ilicina; Laccaria laccata; Russula atropurpurea; Polyporus squammosus; Stereum hirsutum; Piptoporus betulinus; Boletus chrysenteron; Collybia butyracea; Scleroderma citrinum; Xylaria hypoxylon; Xylaria carpophila; Xylaria polymorpha; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Russula ochroleuca; Nectria cinnabarina; Cudoniella acicularis; Hypholoma fasciculare; Biscogniauxia nummularia; Amanita fulva; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Merulius tremellosus; Amanita muscaria; Clitocybe nebularis and Lactarius pyrogalus. 2 myxomycetes were noted these being Fulago septica and Tubifera ferruginosa. Thanks to the rangers for their assistance and especially Jarrod for peddling the event and encouraging all. A few species were taken home for further investigation so the list may grow after the event - then again...

27 September 2009 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - Still no rain and things are getting desperate as the hope for a good fungal season slips away. 10 of us set off for this one and the reward was a list of 55 species which is way down on the usual tally for this great site. The ones ID's were:- Coprinus comatus; Ganoderma australe; Trametes gibbosa; Meripilus giganteus; Rhytisma acerinum; Laccaria laccata; Trametes versicolor; Bjerkandera adusta; Coprinus micaceus; Tricholoma fulvum; Rhodotus palmatus; Scutellinia scutellata; Stereum hirsutum; Diatrype disciformis; Auricularia mesenterica; Lactarius pubescens; Leccinum scabrum; Mycena galericulata; Stereum rugosum; Postia stiptica; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Hypoxylon multiforme; Amanita muscaria; Lactarius glyciosmus; Scleroderma verrucosum; Lacatrius turpis; Chalciporus piperatus; Piptoporus betulinus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Paxillus involutus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Russula ochroleuca; Pluteus cervinus; Hyphodontia sambuci; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Mycena inclinata; Scleroderma citrinum; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Leccinum varicolour; Daldinia concentrica; Leotia lubrica; Amanita rubescens; Clavulina cristata; Mycena pura; Inocybe geophylla; Suillus grevellei; Gomphidius maculatus; Bolbitius titubans; Crepidotus applanatus; Parasola leiocephala; Inonotus radiatus; Hymenoscyphus epiphyllus. A touch of microscopy was needed here with a bit of progress made - yippee! The habitat of the Parasola specimen had me thinking and the apple-shaped spores and general size helped towards the end decision.

23 September 2009 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire - 35 pairs of fungal eyes arrived today and thanks to all including Helen Broughton for her magnificent organisation and provision of packed lunches. I thought it was a nice day with some nice folk and it makes it all worthwhile for me when people are so keen. The list as we speak is at 52 species with a few conundrums to crack if I get time. These are the definites so far and if you want to refresh your memory just highlight any one of the given names, paste in google and have a look at the images it throws up - hopefully it will ring a few bells:- Coprinopsis atramentaria; Rhytisma acerinum; Stereum hirsutum; Lacrymaria velutina; Hypoxylon multiforme; Phallus impudicus; Scleroderma citrinum; Amanita rubescens; Russula ochroleuca; Paxillus involutus; Coprinus micaceus; Heterobasidion annosum; Boletus badius; Boletus chrysenteron; Hypholoma fasciculare; Laccaria laccata; Gymnopolis penetrans; Amanita muscaria; Amanita citrina; Amanita citrina var alba; Piptoporus betulinus; Lycoperdon perlatum; Ganoderma australe; Peniophora quercina; Hebeloma crustuliniforme; Pluerotus ostreatus; Russula atropurpurea; Pluteus cervinus; Leccinum scabrum; Amanita fulva; Lactarius turpis; Lactarius tabidas; Lactarius blennius; Schizopora paradoxa; Coprinus comatus; Trametes versicolor; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Boletus erythropus; Laccaria amethystea; Apiocrea chrysenteron; Meripilus giganteus; Bjerkandera adusta; Pholiota flammans; Boletus edulis; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Amanita rubescens; Hirschioporus abietinus; Fistulina hepatica; Suillus grevellei; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Lepiota brebbisonii; Agaricus arvensis; Mycena galericulata; Xylaria hypoxylon. Also we found two myxomycetes namely Fulago septica and Tubifera ferruginea.

19 September 2009 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire - Still no rain - aaagghhhh - and an impending walk at the forest in a few days. The solution - well there isn't one but a quick reccie would highlight how much of a struggle I would be facing. In fact things didn't turn out too bad and the list of 42 was a good return for little effort in poor mushrooming conditions. Coprinopsis atramentaria; Rhytisma acerinum; Lacrymaria velutina; Stereum hirsutum; Coprinus micaceus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Heterobasidion annosum; Gymnopolis penetrans; Nectria cinnabarina; Scleroderma citrinum; Paxillus involutus; Laccaria laccata; Phallus impudicus; Biscogniauxia nummularium; Hypoxylon multiform; Trametes versicolor; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Amanita citrinum; Cudoniella acicularis; Lycoperdon perlatum; Hebeloma crustuliniforme; Pluteus cervinus; Pluteus salicinus; Lacatarius tabidas; Piptoprus betulinus; Boletus chrysenteron; Russula ochroleuca; Apiocrea chrysosperma; Russula sororia; Lacatrius turpis; Russula atropurpurea; Leccinum scabrum; Russula nigricans; Amanita fulva; Peniophora quercina; Fistulina hepatica; Amanita rubescens; Boletus badius; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Pholiota flammans and Mycena leucogala. Amanita citrina var Alba was seen in a small trooping group and the myxomycete Fulago septica was noted in several places.

18 September 2009 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - 15 of us set out on a foray that was loaded with the expectation of finding very little due to the still arid conditions. We struggled but managed a decent 51 species which were:- Lycoperdon perlatum; Suillus variegatus; Lactarius glyciosmus; Boletus porosporus; Boletus edulis; Rhytisma acerinum; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Lactarius pubescens; Calvatia excipuliformis; Collybia confluens; Peniophore quercina; Stropharia caerulea; Agaricus bitorquis; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Amanita rubescens; Russula mairei; Lactarius blennius; Clitopilus prunulus; Russula ochroleuca; Hypoxylon multiforme; Laccaria laccata; Leccinum scabrum; Scleroderma citrinum; Paxillus involutus; Ganoderma australe; Amanita muscaria; Trametes versicolor; Coprinus micaceus; Bjerkandera adusta; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Phallus impudicus; Boletus chrysenteron; Apiocrea chrysosperma; Boletus aestivalis; Geastrum triplex; Pluteus cervinus; Piptoporus betulinus; Coprinus comatus; Lacatrius torminosus; Hebeloma crustuliniforme; Boletus badius; Lactarius turpis; Tricholomopsis rutilans; Tricholoma fulvum; Cortinarius alboviolaceus; Cortinarius anomalus; Otidea alutacea; Tricholoma sciodes; Pluteus ephebius; Datronia mollis. Thanks to Micheal Jordan for a few ID's and again thanks to all who attended and especially Mark Huntley and his family for giving us access to these private grounds and contributing to another great day.

13 September 2009 - Chadkirk Chapel, Cheshire - 4 of us were in attendance on a day when the woods were bone dry and fungi were a struggle to find. 32 species were made up of Trametes gibbosa; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Calvatia gigantea; Rhytisma acerinum; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Pholiota squarrosa; Tubaria furfuracea; Coprinus micaceus; Datronia mollis; Scutellinia scutellata; Nectria cinnabarina; Bjerkandera adusta; Laccaria amethystea; Trochila ilicina; Ganoderma australe; Lactarius quietus; Diatrype disciformis; Xerula radicata; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Pluteus cervinus; Scleroderma citrinum; Laccaria laccata; Mycena pura; Russula nigricans; Boletus chrysenteron; Apiocrea chrysosperma; Xyalria polymorpha; Crepidotus mollis; Daldinia concentrica; Auricularia auricula-judae; Russula ochroleuca and Biscogniauxia nummularia.

8 September 2009 - Chadkirk Chapel, Cheshire - A quick 45 minute check of the area before Sundays walk proved what I feared - dry ground and some hard mooching needed to find much. Pluteus cervinus; Laccaria laccata; Laccaria amethystea; Marasmius rotula and Coprinus micaceus were the best of a small list.

5 September 2009 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A six hour wander didn't give much in return on the fungal front (35 species in fact) but we tried and had a lovely walk anyway. Here's the list and in truth all were appreciated:- Fistulina hepatica; Russula nigricans; Piptoporus betulinus; Volvariella bombycina; Auricularia auricula-judae; Bolbitius titubans; Exidea nucleata; Gymnopolis junonius; Mycena galopus; Grifola frondosa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Russula ochroleuca; Leccinum scabrum; Hypoxylon multiforme; Neobulgaria pura; Meripilus giganteus; Scleroderma areolatum; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes gibbosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Trichoderme viride; Datronia mollis; Psathyrella candolleana; Macrolepiota procera; Rickenella fibula; Nectria cinnabarina; Laetiporus sulphureus; Scleroderma citrinum; Ganoderma australe; Xylaria polymorpha; Mycena galericulata; Russula ionochlora; Entoloma lazulinum, Clavulinopsis helvola and Laccaria laccata.

31 August 2009 - Fernilee Reservoir, Derbyshire - The season approaches fast and I am as rusty as ever when it comes to identifying many fungi. So as usual the answer is a trip to one of our favourite places to do a bit of swotting up and hopefully get my eye (and nose) back in the groove. The list of 36 species was as follows:- Laccaria laccata; Laccaria amethystea; Stereum hirsutum; Piptoporus betulinus; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Dacrymyces stillatus; Russula atropurpurea; Suillus grevillei; Mycena galopus; Tricholoma fulvum; Nectria cinnabarina; Leccinum scabrum; Amanita rubescens; Amanita crocea; Fistulina hepatica; Amanita muscaria; Mycena inclinata; Phallus impudicus; Laetiporus sulphureus; Mycena pura; Lactarius turpis; Hypholoma fasciculare; Russula claroflava; Leccinum aurantiacum; Tylopilus felleus; Russula cyanoxantha; Amanita fulva; Marasmius androceus; Russula ochroleuca; Heterobasidion annosum; Collybia maculata; Lactarius tabidus; Mycena swartzii, Postia subcaesia and Rhytisma acerinum.

18 August 2009 - Wooton Bridge; New Forest , Hampshire - A bit more fungal mooching with Boletus badius; Russula atropurpurea; Phellinus igniarius; Lactarius quietus; Russula ochroleuca; Leccinum varicolour; Psathyrella candolleana; Amanita excelsa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Amanita fulva; Piptoporus betulinus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Ganoderma australe; Boletus aestivalis; Mycena haematopus; Amanita citrina and Fulago septica.

18 August 2009 - New Forest , Hampshire - Although looking for Woodland Grasshoppers we thought it worth while, as always, to have a mooch for some mushies. Fulago septica; Amanita rubescens; Scleroderma citrinum; Lactarius quietus; Collybia fusipes; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Boletus aestivalis; Amanita fulva; Russula mairei; Ganoderma australe; Russula ochroleuca; Oudemansiella mucida; Pseudoboletus parasiticus; Laccaria laccata; Amanita excelsa; Tylopilus felleus and Cantharellus cibarius made up a nice list.

17 August 2009 - Sopley Common, Dorset - 5 Death Caps and more Coltricia perrenis just on the periphery of the main heathland.

17 August 2009 - Morden Bog , Dorset - Lactarius turpis; Amanita rubescens and Lactarius deliciosus were the only finds of the day.

15 August 2009 - Purbeck Moors, Dorset - Polyporus floccipes on an old branch was a new one for us.

13 August 2009 - Kingcombe Meadows, Dorset - Stropharia semiglobata was the only find at this quaint reserve.

13 August 2009 - Lyme Regis, Devon - A stunning Death Cap was an unexpected find on the outskirts of this popular resort.

12 August 2009 - Arne RSPB, Dorset - More grasshoppering resulted in finding Scleroderma citrinum; Laccaria amethystea; Russula nigricans; Chlorosplenium aeruginascens; Russula sororia; Meripilus giganteus; Russula ochroleuca; Trametes gibbosa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Macrolepiota procera; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Coltricia perennis; Fuligo septica; Lactarius quietus; Hapalopilus nidulans; Russula mairei, Lactarius deterrimus and Russula atropurpurea.

9 August 2009 - Stonehill Down, Dorset - Coprinus niveus and Macrolepiota procera were in fine condition and a nice bonus whilst looking for Orthopteran specimens.

1 August 2009 - Stockport, Cheshire - After recently coming across Paxillus involutus in Birch woodland a stumpier looking Paxillus growing on a grass verge in a somewhat urbanised area attracted my attention. Paxillus validus is the conclusion and the general jizz and difference in spore length pointed to this end identification.

31 July 2009 - Stockport , Cheshire - Walking home yet again produced Hygrocybe conica in two locations, Inocybe geophylla, Boletus rubellus and Leccinum scabrum.

30 July 2009 - Stockport , Cheshire - Walking home Coprinus comatus and Boletus pulverulentus were both seen in fruit.

29 July 2009 - Mere Sands Wood , Lancashire - With the recent downpours a few specimens had started to show their fruiting bodies. Psathyrella candolleana; Paxillus involutus; Ganoderma adspersum, Trametes gibbosa; Chondrostereum purpureum; Trametes versicolor; Amanita rubescens; Phallus impudicus; Stereum hirsutum; Heterobasidion annosum; Gymnopolis penetrans; Helvella crispa; Piptoporus betulinus; Scleroderma verrucosum; Scleroderma citrinum; Bjerkandera adusta; Galerina mutabilis; Mycena galopus; Marasmius ramealis; Polyporus leptocephalus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Leucocoprinus brebissonii; Tarzetta cupularis; Lactarius tabidus and Meripilus giganteus gave a good return for little effort. When heading for the location we pulled up at some makeshift traffic lights whereupon a couple of blackish growths from the seed heads of an unfamilar grass species took my eye. As the traffic lights changed I was thwarted in my attempt to jump out and grab a specimen I suspected could be something special. Returning home we parked up and I gathered the said growths. Bingo - Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) - the dreaded peril that afflicted so many in days gone by with the terrible affliction known as Ergotism later to be called St Anthony's Fire. Click here to read a few spine-chilling details.

27 July 2009 - Stockport, Cheshire - Over the last few weeks a few species have come to my attention as I walk to and from work. Russula pectinatoides, Rickenella fibula, Clavaria fragilis, Hygrocybe conica and Agaricus bitorquis have all beeen noted after the recent heavy downfalls. Given the chance I'd love to have a mooch around some local woodland but alas times are busy.

21 June 2009 - Anderton NR, Cheshire - A nice cluster of Agrocybe rivulosa was at the approaching roadside but the best find was Uromyces geranii on Meadow Cranes-Bill leaves. Another micro species that is keeping the list ticking over nicely. Puccinia diffiformis or punctata was seen on Goosegrass leaves but how to seperate the two is a puzzle I have yet to find the answer to.

20 June 2009 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - A solitary Amanita excelsa was all that was seen on a brief visit.

9 June 2009 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - Whilst collecting more Willow leaves for my Puss Moth collection I located Meadowseet Rust (Triphragmium ulmariae) on the said host.

8 June 2009 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport - Puccinia lagenophorae was found on Groundsel whilst walking to work. A new one for me.

6 June 2009 - Chadkirk Chapel, Cheshire - Whilst on a coleoptera walk some rusty ozonium was spotted and a Coprinus specimen taken. C. domesticus was identified with its brown spores that are smaller than closely related species. The shape of the cheilocystidia confirmed the ID. Yeah I know - technical talk but essential when trying to get to grips with some species.

2 June 2009 - Alexander Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Albugo candida was spotted on Shepherds Purse and is a new one for me.

24 May 2009 - Anderton NR, Cheshire - Only 1 macro species today with some manky Deer Fungus (Pluteus cervinus) poking out from a log in damp woodland. On the micro fungi front it was slightly better with Puccinia urtica (on Nettle), Puccinia poarum (on Colts-Foot) and Puccinia phragmitis (on Dock) all nice to see. Photographs of the latter 3 species will follow.

23 May 2009 - Abney Hall , Stockport, Cheshire - St Georges Mushroom in manky condition and a few shrivelling specimens of Tremella mesenterica.

21 May 2009 - Alexander Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Whilst collecting Willow leaves to feed my ever-growing Puss Moth larvae I noticed the small cup fungus Puccinia pulverulenta growing on some Willow-Herb leaves. A new one for me and photos will follow.

17 May 2009 - Chadkirk Chapel, Cheshire - Uromyces muscari was seen on Bluebell leaves and 2 specimens of Mycena galopus were found under a log. A ugly looking specimen turned out to be none other than St Georges Mushroom but didn't look at all edible on todays's evidence.

16 May 2009 - Nunsmere Hall , Cheshire - A quick wander before heading off home after a fruitless nights mothing resulted in finding an abundance of Agrocybe praecox amongst a wood chipped Bluebell bed and also several Pine Cone Caps (Strobilurus tenacellus).

10 May 2009 - Etherow CP; Cheshire - Kuehneola uredinis was seen in plentiful amounts on one patch of Bramble stems.

18 April 2009 - Leigh, Lancashire - Whilst calling off to pick up another fungi book we decided to take up an invite from Joan Disley to see Morchella elata growing in her wood-chipped front garden. A good cup of tea and a nice chat with herself and husband was a pleasant bonus.

13 April 2009 - Millers Dale, Peak District, Derbyshire - A pale trumpet shaped mushroom had me quite puzzled and the only guess I could make at its identity was a Polyporus species. The smooth creamy colour of the entire fruiting body didn't ring any bells whatsoever and after consulting further literature at home I was still a little unsure. Enter Micheal Jordan. I packed off the specimen to the ABFG leader and within two days got the confirmation that it was only Black-foot Polypore (Polyporus leptocephalus). Not a rarity but thanks to the ABFG the irritating conundrum was solved.

11 April 2009 - Mere Sands Wood , Lancashire - More Pine Cone Caps (Strobilurus tenacellus) specimens were scattered throughout the Pine trees and 1 dried Ear Pick (Auriscalpium vulgare) was located.

11 April 2009 - Ainsdale Natural England, Lancashire - Pine Cone Caps (Strobilurus tenacellus) were plentiful on Pine, 16 specimens of Thimble Morel (Verpa conica) were noted and two False Morels (Gyromitra esculenta) were located after being given the tip off. Some fresh Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was rather late and some fairly new Jews Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae) was noted. Root Fomes (Heterobasidion annosum) was also seen on Pine logs.

29 March 2009 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - 60 Dumontinia tuberosa were found with Wood Anemone. Trying to photograph these tiny growths was very difficult as the light was hit and miss and the size and colour seemed to have the camera perplexed. Coprinus micaceus was evident in clusters and a few Lumpy Brackets (Trametes gibbosa) were past their sell by date.

15 March 2009 - Moore NR, Cheshire - More Scarlet Elf Cup this time the species being Sarcoscypha austriaca.

7 March 2009 - Rixton Clay Pits, Cheshire - Only more Scarlet Elf Cup and after comparison with the Risley Moss specimen I pronounce this one Sarcoscypha austriaca.

7 March 2009 - Risley Moss NR, Cheshire - Several cups of both Caloscypha fulgens and Scarlet Elf cup were located. Once again microscopic examination is needed to determine the exact species of the Elf Cup. After microscopic examination the hairs on the outer surface had several that were corkscrewed and some that were just curved so on this evidence and spore detail Sarcoscypha austriaca seems the culprit.

1 March 2009 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - 54 saucers of Scarlet Elf Cup were located as well as a few other bog standard species. After studious examination of spores and external hairs a decision was reached that the species of Scarlet Elf Cup in question was indeed Scarcoscypha austriaca.

28 February 2009 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - Not really looking for fungi we noticed Tremella mesenterica aplenty, with 1 solitary Hypholoma fasciculare, some Hypoxylon multiforme, Xylaria hypoxylon, Daedaleopsis confragosa and Trametes Gibbosa.

11 January 2009 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A wander around with John Taylor of Fungal Friends and the North West Fungus Group came up with plenty of the usual suspects as well as one or two that need further identification. Mollisia cinerea was agreed upon with other additions being Xylaria carpophila; Polyporus brumalis and loads of Datronia miolluis which is a particular favourite of mine. Also added later by JT were Schizopora paradoxa; Peniophora quercina; Hohenbuehelia atrocaerulea; Tubaria furfuracea; Mycoacia fuscoatra; Phanerochaete velutina; Scopuloides rimosa; Dasyscyphus brevipilus; Hypomyces aurantius 

1 January 2009 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A New Years Day fungal mooch came up with a list of 33 species with a few to sort out if at all. Piptoporus betulinus; Pleurotus ostreatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes gibbosa; Trametes versicolor; Scleroderma citrinum; Auricularia auricula-judae; Eutypa spinosa; Hapalopilus nidulans; Ganoderma australe; Dacrymyces stillatus; Datronia mollis; Mycena inclinata; Trichoderma viride; Rhytisma acerinum; Lepista nuda; Scleroderma citrinum; Hypoxylon multiforme; Nectria cinnabarina; Bulgaria inquinans; Chondrostereum purpureum; Bisporella citrinum; Flammulina velutipes; Ascocoryne sarcoides; Tremella mesenterica; Scutellinia scutellata; Phlebia radiata; Xylaria hypoxylon; Xylaria carpophila; Collybia butyracea; Daldinia concentrica; Lepista flaccida; Ischnoderma benzoinum