FUNGAL SIGHTINGS

News from within and outside the area.

27th December 2010 - River Mersey/Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - A two hour walk to wake up idling asses resulted in the sighting of Trametes gibbosa; Daldinia concentrica; Dacrymyces stillatus; Stereum hirsutum; Pleurotus ostreatus on Broom and Horse Chestnut and some stunning clusters of Flammulina velutipes also on Horse Chestnut.

27th November 2010 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - The Ganoderma resinaceum is almost over and the masses of Stereum hirsutum have yet to be joined by the abundant Tremmella aurantia.

22nd November 2010 - Alexander Park, Stockport, Cheshire - A small troop of Stropharia aurantiaca was seen on woodchip.

21st November 2010 - Cheadle, Stockport, Cheshire - A robust specimen of Coprinus comatus was striving hard to stand tall on this bright and cold morn.

13th November 2010 - Chorlton WP, Greater Manchester - A swift wander with 18 species of fungi noted. These were:- Hyphodontia sambuci; Lepista flaccida; Lepista nuda; Clitocybe nebularis; Stereum hirsutum; Postia subcaesia; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes gibbosa; Gloeophyllum sepiarium; Hypoxylon multiforme; Xylaria hypoxylon; Auricularia mesenterica; Rhytisma acerinum; Trametes versicolor; Hypholoma fasciculare; Pleurotus ostreatus; Auricularia auricula-judae and Crepidotus mollis.

8th November 2010 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - A couple of Wood Blewits coming through at the base of a tree in the street and Puccina lagenophorae still quite noticeable.

6th November 2010 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - It must be said and said with a passion - aren't the Altrincham Field Naturalists a lovely bunch of folk. There said it - how’s that? 15 of us mooched the grounds of Tatton Park and came up with a list of 74 species despite only covering a quarter of the area before time ran out. The sun shone and even though a shower on the way back tried to dampen our spirits it did indeed fail. The list was:- Tremella aurantia; Exidia nucleata; Coniophora puteana; Boletus badius; Armillaria ostoyae; Russula fellea; Russula nigricans; Laccaria laccata; Phlebia radiata; Polyporus brumalis; Scutellinia scutellata; Schizopora paradoxa; Mycena inclinata; Cystoderma amianthinum; Bolbitius titubans; Boletus edulis; Parasola plicatilis; Clavulina rugosa; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Hygrocybe virginea; Hirschioporus abietinus; Hyphodontia sambuci; Rhytisma acerinum; Auricularia auricula-judae; Trochila ilicina; Ganoderma australe; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes gibbosa; Calocera cornea; Stereum hirsutum; Meripilus giganteus; Psathyrella hydrophila; Gymnopilus junonius; Pleurotus ostreatus; Oudemansiella mucida; Hapalopilus nidulans; Trametes versicolor; Dacrymyces stillatus; Eutypa spinosa; Pholiota squarrosa; Bisporella citrina; Coprinellus micaceus; Clitocybe fragrans; Collybia butyracea; Xylaria hypoxylon; Hypholoma fasciculare; Panellus serotinus; Datronia mollis; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Coprinellus disseminatus; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Lycoperdon perlatum; Russula ochroleuca; Nectria cinnabarina; Collybia confluens; Scleroderma citrinum; Lactarius turpis; Amanita muscaria; Clitocybe nebularis; Clitocybe odora; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Lepista nuda; Laccaria amethystea; Mycena galopus; Helvella crispa; Stropharia semiglobata; Mycena galericulata; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Crepidotus lundelli; Hygrocybe reidii; Hygrocybe chlorophana; Clitocybe metachroa; Entoloma conferendum and the myxomycete Mucilago crustacea.

On a more sobering point - pity to see the couple of foreigners taking a big bag of edibles home from the grounds. A common occurrence methinks this raping of the woodlands and one fashion that looks set to grow. Tatton Park - get your eyes peeled.

30th October 2010 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - Another foray at Etherow, this time for the friendly folk of CAN (Cheshire Active Naturalists) whom quite kindly brought the sunshine with them. The walk in truth was a struggle with only 47 species found and many, many usual species just not present. The recent cold snap had taken its toll it seems but the lack of actual quality specimens was also quite disheartening for me as foray leader. I do have a conscience with these walks and even though I can't control what fruits I do feel responsible. Daft I know but just the way I am! Anyway the group of 22 stuck at it and seemed in good spirits so all I can do is what I do - here's the list:- Ganoderma australe; Armillaria gallica; Rhytisma acerinum; Trochila ilicina; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia auricula-judae; Leotia lubrica; Helvella crispa; Trametes gibbosa; Stereum hirsutum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Russula ochroleuca; Laccaria laccata; Collybia butyracea; Tricholoma ustale; Mycena pura; Piptoporus betulinus; Leccinum scabrum; Rhopographus filicinus; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Tremella foliocea; Mycena galericulata; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Lactarius blennius; Pholiota squarrosa; Hypoxylon multiforme; Clitocybe geotropa; Peniophora quercina; Xylaria longipes; Schizopora paradoxa; Mycena arcangeliana; Chondrostereum purpureum; Daldinia concentrica; Auricularia mesenterica; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Lactarius pubescens; Puccinia poarum; Geastrum triplex; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Scutellinia scutellata; Oxyporus populinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Polyporus squammosus and the myxomycete Lycogala epidendrum.

27th October 2010 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - With the Young Carers crew 16 of us set off and came up with 51 species of fungus with very little effort. The list was:- Schizopora paradoxa; Clitocybe nebularis; Macrolepiota procera; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Phlebia radiata; Scutellinia scutellata; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Trochila ilicina; Stropharia semiglobata; Gymnopus confluens; Lactarius glyciosmus; Lactarius turpis; Leccinum versipelle; Laccaria amethystea; Chalciporus piperatus; Russula nobilis; Russula nigricans; Pholiota squarrosa; Amanita rubescens; Nectria cinnabarina; Xylaria hypoxylon; Kretzschmaria deusta; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Calocera cornea; Gymnopilus junonius; Mycena galericulata; Mycena inclinata; Trametes gibbosa; Collybia butyracea; Rhytisma acerinum; Amanita muscaria; Piptoporus betulinus; Scleroderma citrinum; Russula ochroleuca; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Clitocybe odora; Armillaria gallica; Oudemansiella mucida; Bjerkandera adusta; Dacrymyces stillatus; Auricularia auricula-judae; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Psathyrella hydrophila; Coprinellus micaceus; Ganoderma australe; Meripilus giganteus; Pleurotus ostreatus; Russula fellea and the myxomycete Lycogala epidendrum.

23rd October 2010 - Rostherne House/Tatton Park, Cheshire - 6 of us met up at Rostherene House and had a wander around the garden and then headed to Tatton Park where we had a small foray in search of extra species. We finished with tea and cakes back at the house with a list of 59 species under our belts. The list was:- Amanita muscaria; Trochila ilicina; Rickenella swartzii; Cystoderma amianthinum; Laccaria laccata; Cordyceps militaris; Rhytisma acerinum; Clitopilus prunulus; Boletus edulis; Nectria cinnabarina; Amanita rubescens; Lepista flaccida; Helvella crispa; Scleroderma citrinum; Rhopographus filicinus; Clitocybe nebularis; Auricularia auricula-judae; Xylaria hypoxylon; Collybia confluens; Gymnopus peronata; Stereum hirsutum; Mycena pura; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Macrolepiota procera; Exidea nucleata; Hypholoma fasciculare; Mycena galopus; Meripilus giganteus; Lepista nuda; Xerula radicata; Pholiota squarrosa; Inocybe geophylla var lilacina; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Agaricus augustus; Puccinia aegopodii; Russula nobilis; Russula nigricans; Boletus badius; Boletus erythropus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Hygrocybe psittacina; Pleurotus dryinus; Mycena inclinata; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Armillaria gallica; Coprinellus micaceus; Bjerkandera adusta; Pleurotus ostreatus; Trametes versicolor; Trametes gibbosa; Hygrocybe virginea; Merulius tremellosus; Crepidotus cesatii; Clavulinopsis helvola; Clitocybe geotropa; Tricholoma ustale; Russula atropurpurea and Clavulina rugosa.

Thanks again to those what made the effort - not a bad do for sure.

17th October 2010 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - 64 people turned up for this and so unfazed I carried on as usual wondering were the buggery they all came from. Hey ho - one can only try to please all. The list of 65 (well what I can remember) is as follows:- Leccinum versipelle; Amanita fulva; Lactarius glyciosmus; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Tremella foliocea; Hyphodontia sambuci; Chondrostereum purpureum; Scutellinia scutellata; Phlebia radiata; Polyporus leptocephalus; Mycena pura; Daldinia concentrica; Geastrum triplex; Suillus grevellei; Gomphidius maculatus; Rickenella fibula; Aleuria aurantia; Lepista flaccida; Hygrocybe psittacina; Cystoderma amianthinum; Pholiota squarrosa; Trametes gibbosa; Coprinopsis lagopus; Stereum rameale; Ciboria batschiana; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Mycena galericulata; Mycena arcangeliana; Xylaria longipes; Rhytisma acerinum; Coprinellus disseminatus; Lactarius pubescens; Leccinum scabrum; Trochila ilicina; Ganoderma australe; Bolbitius vitellinus; Armillaria gallica; Helvella crispa; Oxyporus populinus; Leotia lubrica; Clavulina cristata; Russula nigricans; Piptoporus betulinus; Tricholoma fulvum; Rhopographus filicinus; Stereum hirsutum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Trametes versicolor; Cudoniella acicularis; Coprinellus micaceus; Heterobasidion annosum; Dacrymyces stillatus; Calocera viscosa; Russula ochroleuca; Amanita muscaria; Gymnopilus penetrans; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Scleroderma citrinum; Mycena inclinata; Galerina clavata; Crepidotus versutus and Auricularia auricula-judae.

16th October 2010 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - I always enjoy the 2 fungal forays at Marbury and hopefully encouraging many people to visit this fine country park and to seek out the fungal specimens on show. Francis Findlay and co do a marvellous job rallying the troops (and keeping old Fungal here running to time) and their attitude and commitment is a joy to behold. It is especially nice to catch up with a few familiar faces and thank you to all who attended (57 in total) today's two forays and showed keen interest. The end list of 54 species is as follows:- Agaricus silvaticus; Armillaria gallica; Trametes versicolor; Trochila ilicina; Scutellinia scutellata; Hypholoma fasciculare; Psilocybe cyanescens; Coprinellus micaceus; Mycena arcangeliana; Schizopora paradoxa; Clitocybe nebularis; Stereum hirsutum; Pleurotus ostreatus; Bisporella citrina; Laccaria laccata; Collybia butyracea; Xylaria hypoxylon; Mycena galericulata; Auricularia auricula-judae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Rhytisma acerinum; Tricholoma fulvum; Leccinum scabrum; Piptoporus betulinus; Lactarius tabidus; Collybia confluens; Paxillus involutus; Amanita rubescens; Amanita muscaria; Rhopographus filicinus; Bjerkandera adusta; Mutinus caninus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Stropharia aurantiaca; Pholiota squarrosa; Flammulina velutipes; Trametes gibbosa; Nectria cinnabarina; Aleuria aurantia; Lepista flaccida; Postia subcaesia; Dacrymyces stillatus; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Xylaria longipes; Pluteus cervinus; Russula ochroleuca; Phallus impudicus; Clavulina rugosa; Panellus mitis; Agaricus arvensis and Russula aeruginea and Coprinellus disseminatus.

Entertaining another full house

13th October 2010 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire - What a grand group the Burton Manor Gardening Club are! Thoroughly rewarding walk this with 19 of us in total and 60 species to admire and discuss. The list was:- Coprinopsis atramentaria; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Rhytisma acerinum; Helvella crispa; Auricularia auricula-judae; Trametes versicolor; Xylaria hypoxylon; Stereum hirsutum; Aleuria aurantia; Hypoxylon multiforme; Coprinus comatus; Collybia butyracea; Clitocybe nebularis; Nectria cinnabarina; Scleroderma citrinum; Mycena galericulata; Phallus impudicus; Coprinellus micaceus; Paxillus involutus; Bjerkandera adusta; Rhopographus filicinus; Gymnopolis penetrans; Trochila ilicina; Calvatia gigantea; Lycoperdon perlatum; Laccaria laccata; Heterobasidion annosum; Russula ochroleuca; Hypholoma fasciculare; Armillaria ostoyae; Calocera viscosa; Lactarius turpis; Leccinum versipelle; Hyphodontia sambuci; Piptoporus betulinus; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Pluteus cervinus; Schizopora paradoxa; Amanita muscaria; Inocybe geophylla; Puccinia poarum; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Geastrum triplex; Leccinum scabrum; Inonotus radiatus; Lactarius blennius; Stropharia caerulea; Mycena arcangeliana; Collybia peronata; Rickenella fibula; Thelephora terrestris; Boletus badius; Entoloma rhodopolium; Lepista flaccida; Psathyrella hydrophila; Amanita fulva; Lactarius deliciosus; Hypoxylon fragiforme and Agaricus arvensis.

Yep - that's a mushroom alright

Yes - this clueless look is genuine

12th October 2010 - Stockport, Cheshire - Walking home from work along busy roads produced Amanita muscaria; Hypholoma fasciculare; Lactarius pubescens; Leccinum scabrum; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Meripilus giganteus and Pholiota squarrosa. Not bad on a sunny day.

10th October 2010 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - 41 of us had a good day mooching and after bacon rolls, tea and coffee we set off in search of fruiting bodies. In between a break was had for mushroom soup, roast beef, yorkshire pud, roasties and veg plus some lemon cream and biscuits and afterwards we finished with tea and scones - and all in stunning sunny weather - bonus! The list of species stands at 96 and was just reward for an attentive group. A real good bunch this and again thanks must go to manager Mark for rounding them up and contributing to a good day. Oh and before I forget, here's the species list:- Psathyrella conopilus; Coprinellus disseminatus; Coprinus comatus; Psathyrella candolleana; Mycena acicula; Hyphodontia sambuci; Boletus pruinatus; Stropharia caerulea; Calocera viscosa; Oudemansiella mucida; Stereum hirsutum; Collybia peronata; Cortinarius anomalus; Merulius tremellosus; Coltricia perennis; Collybia maculata; Schizopora paradoxa; Auriscalpium vulgare; Datronia mollis; Mycena galopus var nigra; Puccinia aegopodii; Trochila ilicina; Puccinia poarum; Tricholoma sulphureum; Lactarius pubescens; Melanoleuca polioleuca; Coprinellus micaceus; Leccinum scabrum; Leccinum variicolor; Lycoperdon perlatum; Phallus impudicus; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Bjerkandera adusta; Polyporus leptocephalus; Coniophora puteana; Lepista flaccida; Auricularia auricula-judae; Rhopographus filicinus; Clitocybe nebularis; Boletus badius; Dacrymyces stillatus; Boletus edulis; Lactarius blennius; Clitopilus prunulus; Russula nobilis; Amanita spissa; Rickenella fibula; Rickenella swartzii; Helvella lacunosa; Amanita rubescens; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Amanita muscaria; Chalciporus piperatus; Russula ochroleuca; Lactarius glyciosmus; Lactarius turpis; Paxillus involutus; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Peziza badia; Leotia lubrica; Mycena pura; Amanita vaginata; Hypholoma fasciculare; Armillaria gallica; Stereum rugosum; Heterobasidion annosum; Scleroderma citrinum; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Lactarius vietus; Scleroderma verrucosum; Agaricus xanthoderma; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Cystoderma amianthinum; Piptoporus betulinus; Handkea excipuliformis; Lepista nuda; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Geastrum triplex; Laccaria amethystea; Otidea bufonia; Helvella crispa; Laccaria laccata; Collybia confluens; Rhytisma acerinum; Collybia butyracea; Lactarius tabidus; Tricholoma fulvum; Lactarius torminosus; Cortinarius alboviolaceus; Cantharellus cibarius; Humaria hemisphaerica and Nectria cinnabarina.

So for starters we have...

Deep in thought, pondering the beauty of the fungal world

Mmmm - perhaps a bit more zoom needed

Moving swiftly on we have...

What's all this 'ear' then

Smile please it's group photo time

That's all very well father but I bet you don't know the latin names

Is the specimen so photogenic or were my flies undone - ooh the worry

Eee by heck - its been a grand day

9th October 2010 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - 30 people in attendance for this one - a full house no less and with stunning weather and plenty to go at I thoroughly enjoyed the wander around this cracking reserve. 77 species is the total so no complaints with plenty to admire for everyone. The list was:- Hirschioporus abietinus; Lactarius glyciosmus; Postia caesia; Armillaria gallica; Heterobasidion annosum; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Tremella foliacea; Auriscalpium vulgare; Lactarius pubescens; Handkea excipuliformis; Amanita spissa; Tricholoma fulvum; Rhytisma acerinum; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Otidea bufonia; Leccinum variicolor; Lepista nuda; Pluteus cervinus; Coprinus lagopides; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Entoloma rhodopolium; Leccinum scabrum; Amanita rubescens; Xylaria hypoxylon; Stereum rameale; Boletus badius; Schizopora paradoxa; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Coprinellus micaceus; Coprinellus disseminatus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Scleroderma citrinum; Mycena galericulata; Mycena arcangeliana; Piptoporus betulinus; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Phlebia radiata; Trametes versicolor; Laccaria laccata; Ganoderma australe; Exidea nucleata; Russula ochroleuca; Nectria cinnabarina; Lactarius tabidus; Ischnoderma benzoinum; Phallus impudicus; Hypoxylon multiforme; Lactarius turpis; Paxillus involutus; Gymnopilus penetrans; Geastrum triplex; Meripilus giganteus; Peniophora quercina; Lactarius quietus; Trametes gibbosa; Auricularia auricula-judae; Lepiota cristata; Merulius tremellosus; Pholiota squarrosa; Trochila ilicina; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Scleroderma verrucosum; Inonotus radiatus; Clitocybe nebularis; Melanoleuca polioleuca; Bjerkandera adusta; Rickenella fibula; Polyporus leptocephalus; Helvella macropus; Amanita fulva; Helvella lacunosa; Puccinia poarum; Coprinus comatus; Rhopographus filicinus; Mycena galopus; Collybia butyracea; Stereum hirsutum and the slime mold Tubifera ferruginosa.

A great day out and hopefully a few more to add to the list after more microscopy - then again...don't hold yer breath! Thansk to all who contrubuted to the days fun - much appreciated.

7th October 2010 - Weaver Park, Cheshire - Apparently this was the first ever event at Weaver Park so thank you for the wardens and co. for asking. 13 punters, myself and good lady and warden made a total of 16 pairs of eyes with a list 73 accumulated over a 5 hour wander (with half hour break for lunch of course). The sun shone and the species came slow and steady and were:- Lycoperdon pyriforme; Exidea nucleata; Lepiota cristata; Rhytisma acerinum; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Scleroderma verrucosum; Mycena arcangeliana; Clitocybe fragrans; Collybia dryophila; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Lactarius pubescens; Lactarius torminosus; Cortinarius alboviolaceus; Tricholoma saponaceum var. squamosum; Schizopora paradoxa; Puccinia poarum; Amanita muscaria; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Lepista flaccida; Boletus pulverulentus; Hygrocybe psittacina; Psilocybe semilanceata; Nectria cinnabarina; Lactarius glyciosmus; Lactarius tabidus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Cordyceps militaris; Coprinus comatus; Lepista saeva; Rhopographus filicinus; Diatrype quercina; Trametes gibbosa; Clitocybe odora; Tubaria furfuracea; Parasola plicatilis; Coprinellus disseminatus; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Leccinum scabrum; Amanita rubescens; Otidea bufonia; Melanoleuca polioleuca; Bisporella citrina; Dacrymyces stillatus; Clavulina rugosa; Clavulina cinerea; Piptoporus betulinus; Stereum rameale; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Coprinellus micaceus; Boletus edulis; Stereum hirsutum; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Xylaria hypoxylon; Paxillus involutus; Entoloma rhodopolium; Lepista nuda; Russula ochroleuca; Hypoxylon multiforme; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Polyporus leptocephalus; Laccaria laccata; Coprinus lagopus; Rickenella fibula; Lactarius turpis; Lycoperdon perlatum; Geastrum triplex; Boletus badius; Cortinarius trivialis; Exidia plana; Tarzetta cupularis; Crepidotus variabilis and Auricularia auricula-judae.

Thanks again to all in attendance and lets hope this hidden gem of a reserve goes from strength to strength.

3rd October 2010 - Marshall Arms NR, Cheshire - So you have a stinking cold, you are tired from the previous days zapping about, the rain is teeming down and there is a heap of stuff to catch up on at home. What would you do? Well myself, good lady and 15 others all wandered around in appalling conditions in a woodland made up primarily of Sycamore and Ash (I didn't know this beforehand) and tried to make the best of a hard do indeed. The initial two hours were wet, wet, wet and with a purely awful list it was only after leaving the woods and scouring nearby grassland and trees that the numbers increased - thank goodness for Silver Birch, Oak, Pine and Sweet Chestnut. Here is the list of 47 species:- . Stereum hirsutum; Datronia mollis; Lepista flaccida; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia auricula-judae; Coprinellus micaceus; Mycena galericulata; Oudemansiella mucida; Bjerkandera adusta; Dacrymyces stillatus; Stereum rugosum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Ciboria batschiana; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Stereum rameale; Nectria cinnabarina; Xylaria hypoxylon; Xylaria carpophila; Rhytisma acerinum; Suillus grevellei; Clavulina cristata; Laccaria laccata; Amanita muscaria; Chalciporus piperatus; Russula ochroleuca; Lactarius blennius; Amanita rubescens; Scleroderma verrucosum; Scleroderma citrinum; Laccaria amethystea; Helvella crispa; Coprinus comatus; Marasmius rotula; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Cortinarius purpurescens; Paxillus involutus; Mycena arcangeliana; Lactarius turpis; Lactarius glyciosmus; Pholiota gummosa; Leccinum scabrum; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Agaricus silvaticus; Crepidotus cesatii; Melanoleuca polioleuca and Hygrocybe virginea.

Not a bad haul with all things considered with the difference between fungal friendly trees and those that don't have many mycorrhizal relationships well and truly highlighted.

2nd October 2010 - Arley Hall, Cheshire - After being invited to do a quick reccie of Arley Hall I thought it would be good to squeeze a mooch in sooner rather than later. The sub 1 hour super snoop was rewarded with 48 species and yet more to give the micro treatment. So far we have:- Coprinus comatus; Collybia butyracea; Russula ochroleuca; Lepiota cristata; Lycoperdon perlatum; Tricholoma fulvum; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Lactarius tabidus; Leccinum scabrum; Clitopilus prunulus; Boletus edulis; Cystoderma amianthinum; Chalciporus piperatus; Lactarius turpis; Lactarius glyciosmus; Rickenella swartzii; Flammulina velutipes; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Mycena galopus; Lactarius quietus; Bjerkandera adusta; Trochila ilicina; Rhytisma acerinum; Mycena inclinata; Collybia confluens; Nectria cinnabarina; Calocera cornea; Postia subcaesia; Fistulina hepatica; Dacrymyces stillatus; Stereum hirsutum; Paxillus involutus; Exidea nucleata; Xylaria hypoxylon; Mycena galericulata; Stereum rameale; Cudoniella acicularis; Trametes versicolor; Hyphodontia sambuci; Amanita muscaria; Amanita rubescens; Hygrocybe psittacina; Laccaria laccata; Crepidotus cesatii; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Russula puellaris; Peziza badia and Lacrymaria lacrymabunda.

2nd October 2010 - Rostherne House, Cheshire - Charming host Katie welcomed us before the forayers arrived and a cup of tea, a chat and a tour was very much appreciated. Surely this is one of Cheshire's hidden gems and hopefully we can do a few more fungal and general wildlife events at this most tranquil of settings. 7 of us set off around the grounds and to nearby fields and came up with a small but respectable list. The 25 species identified were:- Amanita muscaria; Trochila ilicina; Rhytisma acerinum; Laccaria laccata; Rickenella fibula; Clitopilus prunulus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Hygrocybe psittacina; Piptoporus betulinus; Cordyceps militaris; Rickenella swartzii; Boletus pulverulentus; Chalciporus piperatus; Paxillus involutus; Lactarius tabidus; Lactarius turpis; Auricularia auricula-judae; Lepiota cristata; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Scleroderma areolatum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Cystoderma amianthinum; Boletus rubellus; Hygrocybe ceracea and the myxomycete Mucilago crustacea.

29th September 2010 - Runcorn Hill NR, Cheshire – A small party of 7 of us set off on a 3 hour stroll and turned up a respectable list of 51 species many of which were ideal to show the beginner. The species found and identified were:- Hygrocybe psittacina; Psathyrella candolleana; Lactarius blennius; Laccaria laccata; Rhytisma acerinum; Stropharia aurantiaca; Rickenella fibula; Geastrum triplex; Paxillus involutus; Amanita muscaria; Daldinia fissa; Thelephora terrestris; Leccinum scabrum; Lactarius turpis; Stereum hirsutum; Hypoxylon multiforme; Rhopographus filicinus; Leccinum versipelle; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Chalciporus piperatus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Collybia peronata; Amanita rubescens; Auricularia auricula-judae; Cordyceps militaris; Mycena galopus; Marasmius ramealis; Scleroderma verrucosum; Scleroderma citrinum; Piptoporus betulinus; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Hyphodontia sambuci; Flammulina velutipes; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Ganoderma australe; Chondrostereum purpureum; Russula ochroleuca; Lactarius tabidus; Clavulina rugosa; Coprinellus disseminatus; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Cortinarius purpurescens; Crepidotus variabilis; Pholiota gummosa; Anthracobia macrocystis; Cystoderma amianthinum and the slime mold Mucilago crustacea. The latter slime mold is known as Dog Vomit but so is another species hence the uselessness of common names.

Added to the list after further microscopy was Coprinellus angulatus found on burnt wood, Clavulinopsis laeticolor found in grassy soil amid a variety of trees and Entoloma rhodopolium which was seen in a decent troop in woodland.

26th September 2010 - Coombes Valley RSPB, Staffordshire – After last years dry season and being let down by the species found at this reserve I was hoping for a lot more this time around. 20 heads in total joined in the struggle to compile a list of 66 species and the lack of fruiting bodies does pose the question of what on earth is happening at this reserve? Is it a run off of fertilisers from higher ground farmlands that is stopping a mass fungal explosion or is it just all down to bad timing? Time and research will tell but in the meantime here is the list as found:- Hypholoma fasciculare; Lactarius glyciosmus; Puccinia lagenophorae; Rhytisma acerinum; Rhopographus filicinus; Daldinia concentrica; Paxillus involutus; Tricholoma fulvum; Bisporella citrina; Xylaria hypoxylon; Mollisa cinerea; Trochila ilicina; Russula atropurpurea; Phallus impudicus; Exidea glandulosa; Mycena pura; Nectria cinnabarina; Mycena arcangeliana; Mycena inclinata; Collybia butyracea; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Cordyceps militaris; Laccaria laccata; Piptoporus betulinus; Trametes versicolor; Polyporus leptocephalus; Polyporus tuberaster; Amanita fulva; Russula ochroleuca; Bulgar inquinans; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Cudoniella acicularis; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Armillaria gallica; Armillaria ostoyae; Calocera viscosa; Rickenella fibula; Stereum hirsutum; Laccaria amethystea; Leotia lubrica; Russula nigricans; Postia stiptica; Lactarius turpis; Pluteus cervinus; Auricularia auricula-judae; Phlebia merismoides; Oudemansiella mucida; Scleroderma citrinum; Leccinum variicolor; Xylaria longipes; Coprinellus micaceus; Exidea nucleata; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Hypoxylon fuscum; Hypoxylon multiforme; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Mycena galericulata; Amanita muscaria; Crepidotus luteolus; Crepidotus variabilis; Scutellinia umbrorum; Cheilymenia fimicola; Encoelia furfuracea and a new one for us Porphyrellus porphyrosporus.

25th September 2010 - Ainsdale NE, Lancashire –A walk for the Lancashire Wildlife Group was had in glorious sunshine and at the end of the stroll a day list of 88 species was had. 18 of us set off and although a few had to leave early due to my disgraceful time-keeping and over enthusiastic nature I thought the company, climate and collection contributed to a grand day out. The list was:- Agrocybe rivulosa; Amanita muscaria; Coniophora puteana; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Rhytisma acerinum; Pholiota squarrosa; Auricularia auricula-judae; Postia stiptica; Pluteus cervinus; Rickenella fibula; Rickenella swartzii; Lepista flaccida; Bovista plumbea; Hypholoma fasciculare; Dacrymyces stillatus; Tubaria furfuracea; Clitocybe odora; Nectria cinnabarina; Collybia confluens; Tricholoma fulvum; Stereum hirsutum; Coprinus lagopus; Psathyrella candolleana; Laccaria laccata; Lepiota cristata; Xylaria longipes; Geastrum triplex; Russula sanguinea; Gymnopilus penetrans; Hypoxylon multiforme; Stropharia caerulea; Russula ochroleuca; Amanita citrina; Lactarius deliciosus; Octospora rutilans; Leccinum scabrum; Amanita rubescens; Chalciporus piperatus; Piptoporus betulinus; Coprinus disseminatus; Trametes versicolor; Suillus granulatus; Russula persicina; Lactarius controversus; Lepista nuda; Polyporus leptocephalus; Collybia peronata; Mycena galopus; Mycena arcangeliana; Otidea onotica; Russula caerulea; Pleurotus ostreatus; Tulostoma melanocycleum; Lycoperdon perlatum; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Russula sardonia; Mycena pura; Chroogomphus rutilus; Otidea bufonia; Suillus luteus; Trametes gibbosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Thelephora terrestris; Lactarius glyciosmus; Leccinum variicolor; Russula vesca; Tricholomopsis rutilans; Armillaria ostoyae; Coprinus comatus; Gloeophyllum sepiarium; Coprinellus micaceus; Rhopographus filicinus; Amanita vaginata; Cordyceps ophioglossoides; Scleroderma verrucosum; Xerula radicata; Laccaria amethystea; Russula nobilis; Elaphomyces granulatus; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Marasmius ramealis; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Pluteus salicinus; Postia sub-caesia; Inonotus nodulosus; Clavulinopsis helvola and the myxomycete Tubifera ferruginosa.

22nd September 2010 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire –A bunch of 31 heads made good use of the kind weather and had a fair old day mooching around the splendid grounds of Nunsmere Hall. A helicopter dropping in at our sides (literally 50 feet away) whilst looking under beech trees made for an interesting spectacle but didn't detract from a good days hunting. Again thanks to the FWAG team and Mark who manages the hotel and grounds and all who turned up and were contributing to a list of 88 species. The list was:- Calvatia gigantea; Agaricus bitorquis; Clitopilus prunulus; Amanita rubescens; Laccaria laccata; Rickenella fibula; Russula nobilis; Lactarius blennius; Boletus edulis; Chalciporus piperatus; Paxillus involutus; Lactarius tabidus; Auriscalpium vulgare; Amanita muscaria; Lactarius glyciosmus; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Lepiota cristata; Lycoperdon perlatum; Nectria cinnabarina; Lactarius pubescens; Mycena galericulata; Hypoxylon multiforme; Phallus impudicus; Polyporus leptocephalus; Calocera cornea; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Datronia mollis; Dacrymyces stillatus; Schizopora paradoxa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Coprinellus micaceus; Lepista flaccida; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Piptoporus betulinus; Trochila ilicina; Rhopographus filicinus; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Cystoderma amianthinum; Helvella lacunosa; Coprinus lagopus; Leccinum scabrum; Lactarius torminosus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Scleroderma citrinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Thelephora terrestris; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Heterobasidion annosum; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Tricholoma fulvum; Mycena galopus; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Collybia confluens; Otidea alutacea; Helvella macropus; Geastrum triplex; Helvella crispa; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Stropharia aurantiaca; Biscogniauxia nummularia; Rhytisma acerinum; Puccinia aegopodii; Amanita fulva; Amanita excelsa; Collybia butyracea; Collybia maculata; Collybia peronata; Laccaria tortilis; Trichaptum abietinum; Tricholomopsis rutilans; Laccaria amethystea; Stropharia caerulea; Handkea excipuliformis; Auricularia auricula-judae; Xerula radicata; Parasola plicatilis; Crepidotus variabilis; Aleuria aurantia; Cortinarius anomalus; Clavulinopsis helvola; Tarzetta catinus; Lactarius vietus; Otidea bufonia; Crepidotus cesatii; Psathyrella conopilus and Peniophora quercina.

Extra note must be made of the amount of Helvella crispa and Stropharia caerulea that was seen. The former was represented by very large numbers of various sized specimens and the latter was found along one stretch in double figures. A good year at a good site indeed!

21st September 2010 - Stockport, Cheshire – A small troop of Fly Agaric were noted beneath a Horse Chestnut tree whilst on my way home from work. Should I drop a couple and fly home? Perhaps not!

20th September 2010 - Stockport, Cheshire – Another 3.8 mile walk home after the 3.8 walk in to work and Hypholoma fasciculare; Boletus erythropus; Lactarius pubescens; Coprinus comatus; Leccinum scabrum; Lycoperdon pyriforme and Psathyrella candolleana were all noted. The Psathyrella has now produced fruit 3 times this year and I am wondering how many more times will this thriving species do the business.

19th September 2010 - Moore NR, Warrington, Cheshire – Another foray and the third one in rainy conditions so far (100% strike rate to the rain so far - bugger). A group total of 15 hung on in with a couple of early leavers and a reward of 64 species coming our way. The list comprised of:- Russula ochroleuca; Mycena pura; Mycena galopus; Scleroderma verrucosum; Pluteus cervinus; Scleroderma citrinum; Lycoperdon perlatum; Daldinia fissa; Hygrocybe psittacina; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia auricula-judae; Rickenella fibula; Psathyrella candolleana; Amanita muscaria; Paxillus involutus; Clavulina cinerea; Datronia mollis; Xylaria hypoxylon; Laccaria laccata; Mycena galericulata; Nectria cinnabarina; Peniophora quercina; Tremella mesenterica; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Exidea nucleata; Dacrymyces stillatus; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Calocera cornea; Coprinellus disseminatus; Piptoporus betulinus; Hypoxylon multiforme; Clitocybe odora; Rutstroemia firma; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes gibbosa; Scutellinia scutellata; Collybia peronata; Ganoderma australe; Phallus impudicus; Collybia butyracea; Marasmius rotula; Marasmius ramealis; Grifola frondosa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Calvatia gigantea; Lepista flaccida; Coprinellus micaceus; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Polyporus leptocephalus; Xylaria longipes; Rhopographus filicinus; Rhytisma acerinum; Cordyceps militaris; Coprinus comatus; Handkea excipuliformis; Macrolepiota procera; Lepiota cristata; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Clitopilus prunulus; Stereum rameale; Hygrocybe ovina and using Jack Marriott key added later were Crepidotus cesatii and Crepidotus lundelli. The cheilocystidia of the latter species swung the decision with a definite clavate appearance as opposed to slightly pointed or tapering of the confusion species Crepidotus versutus.

Note is made of the proliferation of Daldinia fissa on burnt gorse. It was literally everywhere and to think the first time I saw this specimen (and got quite excited) was about 3 weeks ago in the form of a piddling little solitary ball in the middle of the New Forest.

Find of the day was by new member Alicia Pennings nephew - Giacomo Blizzard - Hygrocybe ovina - wow. The reddening gills gave the first clue as to what this baby was and after a bit of groundwork it was duly christened. Good stuff all round.

12th September 2010 - Etherow CP, Stockport, Cheshire –A group of 16 arrived and the ones what stayed until the end enjoyed a 103 species bonanza. The species listed were:- Leccinum scabrum; Clavulina cristata; Lactarius turpis; Scleroderma verrucosum; Laccaria laccata; Ganoderma australe; Auricularia auricula-judae; Xerula radicata; Marasmius ramealis; Russula nigricans; Leotia lubrica; Oxyporus populinus; Polyporus squammosus; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes gibbosa; Armillaria gallica; Lactarius blennius; Paxillus involutus; Mycena galericulata; Amanita muscaria; Hypoxylon multiforme; Lactarius pyrogalus; Lycoperdon perlatum; Collybia confluens; Russula ochroleuca; Scleroderma citrinum; Clitocybe odora; Hebeloma crustuliniforme; Stereum hirsutum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Polyporus leptocephalus; Exidia nucleata; Xylaria hypoxylon; Agrocybe erebia; Trametes versicolour; Boletus badius; Piptoporus betulinus; Pluteus cervinus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Calocera viscosa; Rickenella fibula; Marasmius androsaceus; Heterobasidion annosum; Gymnopilus penetrans; Suillus grevellei; Collybia butyracea; Mycena inclinata; Hypholoma fasciculare; Collybia maculata; Tricholoma fulvum; Lactarius glyciosmus; Peziza badia; Amanita fulva; Calocera cornea; Hyphodontia sambuci; Cordyceps militaris; Bisporella citrina; Mycena pura; Gomphidius maculatus; Bolbitius titubans; Marasmius oreades; Hygrocybe psittacina; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Marasmius rotula; Rhytisma acerinum; Coprinellus micaceus; Daldinia concentrica; Crepidotus mollis; Xylaria longipes; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Phallus impudicus; Stereum gausapatum; Stereum rugosum; Inonotus radiatus; Auricularia mesenterica; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Exidia glandulosa; Tremella foliacea; Nectria cinnabarina; Schizopora paradoxa; Coprinus lagopus; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Lactarius pubescens; Clitocybe prunulus; Coprinellus disseminatus; Crepidotus cesatii; Skeletocutis nivea; Lepista flaccida; Boletus ferrugineus; Parasola plicatilis; Armillaria mellea; Pseudocraterellus undulatus; Russula nobilis; Pholiota gummosa; Phlebia radiata; Cortinarius argentiopileatus; Ischnoderma benzoinum; Lepiota aspera; Tricholoma columbetta; Conocybe tenera; Entoloma conferendum var. conferendum and again the myxomycete Tubifera ferruginea.

11th September 2010 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire –18 of us set off on the first foray of the year and came up with a list of 78 species as follows:- Hypholoma fasciculare; Rhytisma acerinum; Marasmius oreades; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Scleroderma verrucosum; Auricularia auricula-judae; Amanita rubescens; Calocera cornea; Trametes versicolor; Nectria cinnabarina; Hypoxylon multiforme; Stereum hirsutum; Calvatia gigantea; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Tapinella panuoides; Paxillus involutus; Phallus impudicus; Scleroderma citrinum; Russula ochroleuca; Lactarius turpis; Mycena galopus; Laccaria laccata; Collybia dryophila; Aleuria aurantiaca; Hyphodontia sambuci; Calocera viscosa; Dacrymyces stillatus; Gymnopilus penetrans; Postia caesia; Boletus badius; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Chalciporus piperatus; Leccinum scabrum; Trochila ilicina; Heterobasidion annosum; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Amanita citrina; Piptoporus betulinus; Pluteus cervinus; Stereum gausapatum; Lactarius tabidus; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Schizopora paradoxa; Inocybe geophylla; Lactarius blennius; Russula nigricans; Lactarius quietus; Boletus erythropus; Coprinus comatus; Tubaria furfuracea; Armillaria gallica; Collybia confluens; Amanita fulva; Laccaria amethystea; Meripilus giganteus; Bjerkandera adusta; Ganoderma australe; Helvella crispa; Cantharellus infundibuliformis; Postia subcaesia; Fistulina hepatica; Collybia peronata; Rickenella fibula; Marasmius androsaceus; Xylaria polymorpha; Kretzschmaria deusta; Thelephora terrestris; Merulius tremellosus; Amanita muscaria; Lepiota cristata; Boletus pulverulentus; Crepidotus cesatii; Agaricus bitorquis; Panellus stipticus; Puccinia aegopodii and the myxomycete Tubifera ferruginea.

10th September 2010 - Torkington Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Rhytisma acerinum; Stropharia aurantiaca; Clavaria fragilis and Lycoperdon pyriforme all seen on a brief stroll.

6th September 2010 - Stockport, Cheshire - Albugo candidans seen growing on Shepherds Purse.

4th September 2010 - Etherow CP, Stockport, Cheshire - A reccie before the season starts proper showed that many mushrooms can't wait for the Fungalpunk walks and have started fruiting in earnest. Hang on 'shrooms hang on! Ben Gillespie of Fungal Friends joined me and my two good ladies and came up with a few choice finds. As well as what was seen two days ago the following species were added:- Peniophora quercina; Helvella lacunosa; Lactarius pyrogalus; Leccinum scabrum; Boletus luridus; Scleroderma citrinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Clitocybe odora; Coprinellus micaceus; Lycoperdon perlatum; Psathyrella candolleana; Leccinum versipelle; Lactarius turpis; Otidea alutacea and Tarzetta catinus.

After prolonged microscopic work on the Tarzetta species a decision was reached that catinus is the species. The width of the spores never exceeded 13μm and so after examining paraphyses and considering habitat the end conclusion was made. However I feel this complex to be rather vague somewhat and am open to advice as to what the distinguishing factors are that other people use.

2nd September 2010 - Etherow CP, Stockport, Cheshire - Whilst working with the Young Carers time was taken to ponder a few fungal specimens. The list was sketchy due to many voices calling my name but here's what I managed to remember:- Polyporus squammosus; Russula nigricans; Lactarius blennius; Hygrocybe psittacina; Laccaria laccata; Laccaria amethystea; Suillus grevellei; Clavulina cristata; Amanita fulva; Amanita rubescens; Boletus erythropus; Trametes gibbosa; Helvella crispa; Phallus impudicus; Russula ochroleuca; Amanita muscaria; Lactarius pubescens; Leotia lubrica; Tricholoma sciodes; Coprinellus micaceus; Armillaria gallica and Daedaleopsis confragosa.

1st September 2010 - Fleetwood, Lancashire - A cluster of Coprinopsis atramentaria was seen in grassland near the sea shore.

28 August 2010 -Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - A second mooch on my 45th was much more fruitful with the following species noted:- Daedaleopsis confragosa; Meripilus giganteus; Clitopilus prunulus; Rhytisma acerinum; Piptoporus betulinus; Trametes gibbosa; Stereum hirsutum; Bjerkandera adusta; Hypholoma fasiculare; Ananita excelsa var. spissa; Paxillus involutus; Psathyrella candolleana; Boletus badius; Collybia peronata; Ganoderma resinaceum; Tremella aurantia; Lycoperdon perlatum; Mycena acicula; Scleroderma citrinum; Marasmius rotula; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Crepidotis cesatii; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Russula nigricans and Datronia mollis.

28 August 2010 -Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - A wander on my birthday was good but brought little in the way of fungal surprises. The lowly list comprised of:- Rhytisma acerinum; Coprinus lagopus; Crepidotus mollis; Hyphodontia sambuci; Marasmius oreades; Pholiota connisans; Coprinus lagopus and Laccaria laccata.

24 August 2010 - Durlston CP, Dorset - Agaricus macrosporus was seen in a recently cut field. Amazingly the smell of crushed almonds disappeared after the first day.

24 August 2010 - Lulworth Cove, Dorset - A nice patch of Boletus luridus was seen on the hillside towards Durdle Door.

22 August 2010 - Thorncombe Woods, Dorset - A wander in the pouring rain resulted in:- Paxillus involutus; Hypholoma fasiculare; Phallus impudicus; Psathyrella candolleana; Scleroderma citrinum; Tubaria furfuracea; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Amanita rubescens; Calocera viscosa; Amanita fulva; Russula ochroleuca; Ganoderma australe; Collybia dryophila; Pluteus cervinus; Trametes versicolor; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Gymnopilus penetrans; Marasmius rotula; Piptoporus betulinus; Mycena galopus and Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca.

16 August 2010 - Banks, New Forest, Hampshire - A nice sighting of Paxillus atrotomentosus was had whilst returning back to the lighthouse.

16 August 2010 - Eyeworth, New Forest, Hampshire - A wander with Hampshire Fungus Group member Sue Rogerson resulted in the finding of:- Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Laccaria laccata; Psathyrella candolleana; Parasola patoulliardii; Laetiporus sulphureus; Paneolus semiovatus; Trametes gibbosa; Pleaurotus ostreatus; Ganoderma australe; Amanita rubescens; Hericeum cirrhatum; Pluteus cervinus; Scleroderma citrinum; Russula nigricans; Volviarella bombycina var. flaviceps; Russula puellaris; Collybia fusipes; Daedalea quercina; Piptoporus quercinus; Clitopilus prunulus; Mycena galericulata; Amanita fulva; Polyporus leptocephalus; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Coprinellus disseminatus; Marasmius rotula; Boletus rubellus; Boletus appendiculatus; Collybia dryophila; Russula anthrocina; Russula virescens; Polyporus tuberaster; Russula vesca; Boletus cisalpinus; Boletus chrysenteron; Tubaria furfuracea and Tricholoma ustaloides. Thanks to Sue and Alan Lucas for many ID's.

16 August 2010 - Pigs Bush, New Forest, Hampshire - A quick shuftie at some burnt Gorse came up with Daldinia fissa.

16 August 2010 - Rufus Stone, New Forest, Hampshire - A quick mooch came up with Pleurotus ostreatus; Trochila ilicina and Pluteus cervinus - poor or what!

9 August 2010 - Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire - A troop of Russula pectinoides and a couple of Boletus rubellus were poking through the local churchyards grass.

8 August 2010 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - A two hour visit resulted in a few species noted but much microscopic work needed afterwards. The list comprised of:- Boletus badius; Amanita rubescens; Hypoxylon multiforme; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Boletus chrysenteron; Rickenella fibula; Rickenella swartzii; Marasmius rotula; Russula xeramplina; Boletus porosporus; Scleroderma verrucosum; Paxillus involutus; Helvella lacunosa; Boletus edulis; Coprinus comatus; Geastrum triplex; Agaricus xanthoderma; Leccinum scabrum and Clitopilus prunulus. Loads of Russulas but time, and the complexity of the genus, are the enemies and whether I add any more to this list is anyone's guess.

5 August 2010 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire - As part of the 'Bug Day For Beginners' a few mushies were thrown in for extra entertainment. The list was:- Stereum hirsutum; Boletus chrysenteron; Lepiota cristata; Rhytisma acerinum; Trochila ilicina; Marasmius oreades; Agrocybe rivulosa; Laccaria laccata; Calvatia gigantea; Coprinus lagopus; Rickenella fibula; Fistulina hepatica; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Boletus badius; Gymnopolis penetrans; Mycena acicula; Leccinum variicolor; Scleroderma verrucosum; Pluteus cervinus; Mycena swartzii; Amanita fulva; Phallus impudicus; Tapinella panuoides and Amanita rubescens. One Giant Puffball was taken for tea from a group of five. As always the advice is only take a little and let nature look after its crop for the following years.

3 August 2010 - Etherow CP, Stockport; Cheshire - A wander with my daughter was used as a reccie to try and get my eye in with a few species before the forthcoming season of forays begins. It was a grand day and this is what we came up with:- Amanita rubescens; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Rhytisma acerinum; Polyporus squamosus; Laccaria amethystea; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Laccaria laccata; Marasmius ramealis; Piptoporus betulinus; Mycena galopus; Polyporus floccipes; Bjerkandera adusta; Scleroderma citrinum; Suillus grevellei; Hypholoma fasiculare; Rickenella fibula; Boletus erythropus; Phallus impudicus; Lepiota cristata; Auricularia auricula-judae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Marasmius rotula; Postia stiptica; Calocera cornea; Crepidotus mollis; Trametes versicolor; Gomphidius maculatus; Xylaria carpophila; Stereum hirsutum; Trochila ilicina; Paxillus involutus; Boletus luridus; Boletus chrysenteron; Stereum gausapatum; Coprinellus disseminatus; Ganoderma australe; Oxyporus populinus and the myxomycete Lycogala terrestre.

Paxillus validus was noticed in Stockport in the same place as last year. A real sturdy stem on this species.

2 August 2010 - Stockport; Cheshire - A couple of specimens of Agaricus bitorquis were noted on the walk home from work

1 August 2010 -Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - Another quick shuftie around this area with the list as follows:- Marasmius oreades; Marasmius ramealis; Marasmius rotula; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Hyphodontia sambuci; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Auricularia auricula-judae; Xerula radicata; Pholiota connisans; Rhytisma acerinum; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Parasola leiocephala; Coprinopsis lagopus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Boletus radicans; Parasola plicatilis; Agaricus xanthoderma; Polyporus leptocephalus; Psathyrella conopilus; Psathyrella spadiceogrisea and Bolbitius titubans.

30 July 2010 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - Amanita rubescens; Amanita fulva; Phallus impudicus; Heterobasidion annosum; Pluteus cervinus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Auriscalpium vulgare; Paxillus involutus; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Boletus chrysenteron and Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca were enjoyed as the fungal season proper approaches.

30 July 2010 - Martin Mere, Lancashire - A few species seen whilst on a working trip were Pleurotus ostreatus; Laetiporus sulphureus; Hirschioporus abietinus; Psathyrella candolleana and Coprinus disseminatus.

29 July 2010 - Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - Trametes gibbosa; Mycena acicula; Marasmius rotula; Marasmius ramealis; Coprinopsis lagopus and Rhytisma acerinum were noted on a quickish visit. After various microscopic investigations and internet browsing also added were Psathyrella piluliformis (ex. P. hydrophila); Parasola leiocephala and Pholiota connisans.

26 July 2010 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - A stroll after work came up with a nice patch of Psathyrella candolleana; a clump of strong smelling Clitopilus prunulus; a couple of specimens of Phallus impudicus; freshly emerged Stereum hirsutum; the usual Ganoderma resinaceum and a fresh Volvariella bombycina. The latter was on a dead Horse Chestnut tree. Also found was some new patches of Rhytisma acerinum on sycamore leaves.

22 July 2010 - Stockport, Cheshire - 2 wealthy groups of Psathyrella candolleana were noted.

21 July 2010 - Alexander Park, Stockport, Cheshire - A brace of Agaricus augustus (The Prince) mushrooms were noted growing from woodchip whilst walking home from work.

18 July 2010 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, Greater Manchester - A 2 hour stroll was had primarily to meet up with a new Fungal Friends member (Ben Gillespie) and say 'hello'. This was duly done and fungal specimens were sought. Despite the rain it is still a little early although an impressive batch of Boletus Albidus (now known as B. radicans I believe) was shown to us by Ben which was worth the trip alone. One specimen must have been at least 28cm across which is some going. Cheers mate. Other than that Mycena acicula; Trametes gibbosa; Marasmius rotula; Calocera cornea; Stereum hirsutum and Daedaleopsis confragosa was all that was seen. Later I readily identified the Fairy Ring Champignon (Marasmius oreades) a 'shroom I have a mental block with and never feel confident enough to ID in the field.

11 July 2010 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - Several new specimens of Ganoderma resinaceum were appearing on an old Oak log and will be monitored for changes. I am always questionning my identifications and have a slight niggle over this specimen.

10 July 2010 - Chadkirk Chapel, Stockport, Cheshire - Perhaps the most out of touch I have been with fungi for a long time with the dry weather not helping it was nice to turn up a Beefsteak Fungus on Oak and a solitary specimen of Coprinus domesticus on dusty woodchip.

5 June 2010 - River Dee, Cheshire - Mooching around for Odonata species resulted in the finding of Puccinia urticata on Nettle and Puccinia punctiformis on Thistle.

30 May 2010 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - Tootling about looking at flowers resulted in the following rust fungi being spotted:- Puccinia sessilis; Uromyces ficariae; Puccinia pulverulenta; Puccinia urticata; Rhopographus filicinus and Melampsorella symphyti. The exceedingly rare smut Microbotryum marginalis was located on Bistort leaves.

29 May 2010 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - Phragmidium Violaceum was found on Bramble stems whilst collecting caterpillar food. Confirmation via examination of the spores was made later.

21 May 2010 - Summer Leys NR, Northamptonshire - Melampsorella symphyti was frequent on Comfrey all over this reserve.

16 May 2010 - River Mersey; Stockport; Cheshire - Puccinia aegopodii was located beneath the leaves of Ground Elder.

14 May 2010 - Alexander Park, Stockport; Cheshire - Puccinia vincae was found on the leaves of Greater Periwinkle whilst wandering to work.

6 May 2010 - Davenport, Stockport; Cheshire - A healthy ring of St Georges Mushrooms (Calocybe gambosa) were found in a garden but I refrained from taking them for edible usage as they looked so nice where they were.

2 May 2010 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - Polyporus squammosus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Piptoporus betulinus and some old Calvatia gigantea were noted as well as the micro fungi Triphragmium ulmariae; Uromyces ficariae; Puccinia sessilis and Puccinia urticata.

24 April 2010 - Risley Moss, Warrington; Cheshire - Phragmidium violaceum was identified on the stems of Brambles. The generally spaced spines on the spores confirmed the identification.

21 April 2010 - Alexander Park, Stockport; Cheshire - A dead trunk covered in Trametes gibbosa has now been joined by 3 clumps of the myxomycete Reticularia lycoperdon; 2 of which were in the powdery brown spore releasing stage.

18 April 2010 - River Mersey, Stockport; Cheshire - Puccinia sessilis was noted on the leaves of Ramsons.

14 April 2010 - Stockport, Cheshire - Puccinia lagenophorae was spotted by my eagle eyes growing upon the leaves of Groundsel.

13 April 2010 - Torkington Park, Cheshire - A new one for me - Cumminsiella mirabilissima otherwise known as Mahonia Rust was seen on as expected Mahonia.

10 April 2010 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - A great wander with little to show. Sarcoscypha austriaca; Uromyces ficariae and Trametes gibbosa were all that were seen although we were slightly distracted by doing a bird-watching list.

5 April 2010 - Risley Moss, Cheshire - Primarily a relaxing stroll with nothing special in mind to see. Daedalea quercina; Sarcoscypha austriaca and a few usual suspects were all that was spotted.

4 April 2010 - Anglesey - Pottering about resulted in the finding of Puccinia smyrnii - a micro-fungi on the leaves of Alexanders.

3 April 2010 - Chorlton WP, G. Mancester - Vuillemina comedens; Auricularia mesenterica and Coprinellus micaceus were all in reasonable condition on yet another birding trip. Uromyces dactylidis was located on Lesser Celandine leaves which I guess is more luck than skill.

2 April 2010 - Eaves Wood, Lancashire - Just Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor in fruit and looking not too bad considering the weather.

2 April 2010 - Leighton Moss, Lancashire - A birding day to be honest but Sarcoscypha austriaca and Daedaleopsis confragosa were noted.

30 March 2010 - River Mersey, Stockport; Cheshire - Searching for micro fungi with my daughter resulted in the finding of the ubiquitous Rhopographus filicinus on old Bracken stems.

28 March 2010 - Abney Hall, Cheshire - Just struggling to get out at all lately due to our ever-busy lifestyles so a quick circular walk around our local area resulted in us ending up here and heading home. On the way Ganoderma resinaceum; Daldinia concentrica; Stereum hirsutum and the micro fungi Uromyces muscari were noted. The latter is otherwise known as Bluebell Rust and can be found on the leaves of the host plant with a little effort.

22 March 2010 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - Nowt much about with a small cluster of Polyporus brumalis and a few layers of Gloeophyllum sepiarium the only sightings.

15 March 2010 - Moore NR, Cheshire - Primarily a birding walk but with a few shrivelled specimens still hanging on as well as a few common brackets. However 197 cups of Scarlet Elf Cup were a good find with them later confirmed as Sarcoscypha coccinea. Add to this further discussions and advice and a long re-consideration and I am now convinced that the finds were indeed the commoner Sarcoscypha austriaca. Apparently this species has microscopic curly hairs on the cuticle on the outside of the cup and yet the ones I found were straight. Just one big bloody headache if you ask me! Some rather large Pleurotus ostreatus seemed to be defying the dry conditions too.

7 March 2010 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - A wander with a few Friends resulted in a smallish list with Daldinia concentrica; Scarcoscypha austriaca; Exidia glandulosa; Polyporus brumalis; Auricularia mesenterica; Tremella foliacea; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Piptoporus betulinus; Trametes versicolor and Auricularia auricula-judae the only finds.

16 February 2010 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - Whilst doing a bit of birding the following fungi were noted:- Nectria cinnabarina; Ascocoryne sarcoides; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Rhytisma acerinum; Exidia glandulosa; Trametes gibbosa; Daldinia concentrica; Auricularia auricula-judae; Dacrymces stillatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Xylaria hypoxylon and Flammulina velutipes.

15 February 2010 - River Mersey, Stockport; Cheshire - An unidentified log held fresh specimens of Flammulina velutipes; Pluerotus ostreatus and Bjerkandera adusta.

7 February 2010 - Moore NR, Cheshire - 1 Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) was spotted by my good lady with with Xylaria polymorpha; Flammulina velutipes; Chondrostereum purpureum; Auricularia auricula-judae; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Piptoporus betulinus; Stereum hirsutum and Vuillemina comedens making up a small list.

31 January 2010 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A hopeless fungi start to the year continued with more snow keeping things difficult and with only Pleurotus ostreatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia auricula-judae; Hapalopilus nidulans; Dacrymyces stillatus; Flammulina velutipes; Stereum hirsutum and Ganoderma resinaceum seen.