FUNGAL SIGHTINGS

News from within and outside the area.

 

16th December 2012 - Moore NR, Cheshire - Plenty of fungi was seen whilst on a birding jaunt with Gloeophyllum sepiarium; Inonotus radiatus; Pleurotus ostreatus and 96 cups of Sarcoscypha austriaca the picks of the crops.

8th December 2012 - Chorlton Ees, G. Manchester - A wander and 13 species noted, albeit all common stuff:- Xylaria hypoxylon; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia auricula-judae; Rhytisma acerinum; Flammulina velutipes; Chondrostereum purpureum; Leptosphaeria acuta; Bjerkandera adusta; Piptoporus betulinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Crepidotus mollis; Coprinellus micaceus and Fomes fomentarius.

2nd December 2012 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - A birding trip but a list taken of some 27 fungal species:- Taphrina betulina; Stereum hirsutum; Clitocybe nebularis; Claviceps purpurea; Sarcomyxa serotina; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Phlebia radiata; Fomes fomentarius; Trametes gibbosa; Exidia nucleata; Flammulina velutipes; Bjerkandera adusta; Rhopographus filicinus; Chondrostereum purpureum; Bjerkandera fumosa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Rhytisma acerinum; Calocera cornea; Hyphodontia sambuci; Piptoporus betulinus; Daldinia concentrica; Trametes versicolor; Exidia glandulosa; Auricularia auricular-judae; Dacrymyces stillatus; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma and Tremella aurantia.

17th November 2012 - Pennington Flash, Lancashire - A swift birding trip but somehow got sidetracked with a few fungi, I really shouldn't you know! The 15 species seen were:- Armillaria ostoyae; Auricularia auricular-judae; Tremella foliocea; Piptoporus betulinus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Coprinellus micaceus; Trametes gibbosa; Crepidotus mollis; Trametes versicolor; Xylaria hypoxylon; Exidia recisa; Phlebia radiata; Stereum hirsutum; Mycena galericulata and Sarcomyxa serotina.

4th November 2012 - Chorlton WP, Greater Manchester - The fungal season has come to an abrupt end it seems after faltering along through the previous 2 months. Claviceps purpurea; Hypoxylon multiforme; Xylaria hypoxylon and Clitocybe confragosa were all that were noticed although attention was elsewhere!

30th October 2012 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A Young carers walk and not much in fruit, the best being:- Lepista nuda; Hygrocybe pratensis; Fistulina hepatica; Macrotyphula fistulosa; Bulgaria inquinans and Ossicaulis lignatilis.

28th October 2012 - Coombes Valley, Staffordshire - The penultimate foray of the year at this grand site. 27 of us set out into the cooling conditions with the grim warning from the warden that 'there's not much about'. Indeed it was hard work but with perseverance we totted up a solid 71 species, which were:- Taphrina betula; Mycena pura; Macrotyphula fistulosa var contorta; Clavulina rugosa; Biscogniauxia nummularia; Leptosphaeria acuta; Mycena galericulata; Gloeophyllum sepiarium; Rhytisma acerinum; Claviceps purpurea; Puccinia poarum; Melampsoridium betulinum; Xylaria hypoxylon; Nectria cinnabarina; Stereum hirsutum; Erysiphe heraclei; Scleroderma citrinum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Hyphodontia sambuci; Trametes versicolor; Lactarius pyrogalus; Erysiphe alphitoides; Trochila ilicina; Rhopographus filicinus; Daldinia concentrica; Pholiota squarrosa; Trichoderma viride; Laccaria amethystea; Stereum gausapatum; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Postia subcaesia; Datronia mollis; Schizopora paradoxa; Dacrymyces stillatus; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Russula ochroleuca; Calocera cornea; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Entoloma rhodopolium; Piptoporus betulinus; Peniophora quercina; Laetiporus sulphureus; Exidia nucleata; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Armillaria gallica; Hymenochaete rubiginosa; Cudoniella acicularis; Cordyceps militaris; Calocera viscosa; Panellus serotinus; Pluteus cervinus; Mycena inclinata; Helvella lacunosa; Xylaria longipes; Exidia truncata; Coprinellus micaceus; Fomes fomentarius; Russula betularum; Arrhenia retiruga; Hygrocybe pratensis; Stropharia semiglobata; Psilocybe semilanceata; Phragmidium violaceum; Nectria peziza; Crepidotus cesatii; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Hygrocybe coccinea; Hygrocybe chlorophana; Hygrocybe virginea and Hygrocybe calyptraeformis.

21st October 2012 - Moore NR, Cheshire - The annual foray and 28 of us set off in search of the fungal fruits. Tony Carter from the NWFG assisted on this one and with much scrambling about we came up with what was a fair list of 108. Much microscopy is needed at the time of writing so keep checking back to watch the list increase, decrease or change - such is the murkiness of mycology. The list thus far is:- Claviceps purpurea; Exidia nucleata; Exidia glandulosa; Exidia plana; Melampsoridium betulinum; Xylaria hypoxylon; Scleroderma verrucosum; Mycena adscendens; Laccaria laccata; Erysiphe alphitoides; Clitocybe nebularis; Tubaria dispersa; Peniophora lycii; Stereum gausapatum; Cystoderma amianthinum; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Coprinus comatus; Leptosphaeria acuta; Auricularia auricular-judae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Amanita muscaria; Lepista flaccida; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Schizopora paradoxa; Rickenella swartzii; Daldinia fissa; Hygrocybe irrigata; Hygrocybe psittacina; Hygrocybe pratensis; Lactarius glyciosmus; Lycoperdon perlatum; Tubaria furfuracea; Stereum hirsutum; Trochila ilicina; Mycena galopus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Bisporella sulfurina; Mycena galericulata; Postia subcaesia; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Lepista nuda; Rickenella fibula; Hygrocybe virginea; Taphrina alni; Flammulina velutipes; Peniophora incarnata; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Stropharia semiglobata; Datronia mollis; Trametes versicolor; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Phlebia tremellosa; Armillaria gallica; Geastrum triplex; Daldinia concentrica; Lepiota cristata; Entoloma rhodopolium; Rhytisma acerinum; Nectria cinnabarina; Exidia recisa; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma; Sarcoscypha austriaca; Russula ochroleuca; Vuilleminia comedens; Rutstroemia firma; Piptoporus betulinus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Stereum rameale; Chondrostereum purpureum; Peniophora quercina; Bjerkandera adusta; Mycena arcangeliana; Byssomerulius corium; Puccinia glechomatis; Hypoxylon fuscum; Hygrocybe ceracea; Macrocystidia cucumis; Xylaria polymorpha; Xylaria longipes; Geoglossum fallax; Scutellinia scutellata; Calyptella capula var. flavescens; Coprinellus micaceus; Parasola plicatilis; Mycena flavoalba and Scleroderma citrinum. Add to this the green discolouring of wood due to Chlorosplenium aeruginescens and some old Calvatia gigantea as well as Tony Carter's confirmations, namely Coprinopsis freisii; Polyporus tuberaster; Coniophora arida; Panellus serotinus; Mollisia cinerea; Calyptella capula; Naucoria escharioides; Crepidotus cesatii; Panaeolus fimicola; Clavulinopsis helvola; Mycena filopes; Marasmius oreades; Ossicaulis lignatilis and Crepidotus variabilis and not a bad days work at all. More extras added via a lovely lady called Yvonne also of the NWFG - these were Armillaria mellea; Clitocybe gibba; Lyophyllum connatum and Dermoloma cuneifolium.

Thank you one and all!

20th October 2012 - Harthill, Cheshire - A fungal forage with 15 of us setting off to find some edibles and then do a bit of cooking. The list keeping today was secondary with emphasis placed on highlighting the role of fungi in the environment, how to collect sensibly and hopefully encouraging people to respect these marvellous structures and to enjoy them for more than just culinary reasons. The group was a good un' indeed and some grand company had with a few edibles taken and much left behind. The list I did keep (including a quick wander after the official mooch) was as thus:- Tricholoma scalpturatum; Leccinum scabrum; Coprinellus micaceus; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Erysiphe heraclei; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Hyphodontia sambuci; Stropharia caerulea; Nectria cinnabarina; Auricularia auricular-judae; Lepista flaccida; Leratiomyces ceres; Gymnopilus penetrans; Scleroderma citrinum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Skeletocutis amorpha; Lepista nuda; Bolbitius titubans; Claviceps purpurea; Armillaria mellea; Trametes versicolor; Stereum hirsutum; Rhytisma acerinum; Russula ochroleuca; Laccaria amethystea; Laccaria laccata; Paxillus involutus; Bjerkandera adusta; Rhopographus filicinus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Postia subcaesia; Xylaria hypoxylon; Hygrocybe pratensis; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Piptoporus betulinus; Trochila ilicina; Thelephora terrestris and Melanoleuca arcuata.

38 species in all but remember I took nothing for microscopy today as it was a different style of walk. It was a welcome change and one we thoroughly enjoyed despite edibles being a struggle to find.

14th October 2012 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - Despite feeling offside today the walk went ahead and what a nice bunch of folk it was with. Some nice food, nice sunshine and most importantly 'nice species' and the job was, I do believe, a good un'. The list of 70 was:- Leotia lubrica; Collybia cirrhata; Suillus bovinus; Lactarius glyciosmus; Bovista nigrescens; Gymnopilus penetrans; Trichomolopsis rutilans; Paxillus involutus; Bovista plumbea; Laccaria tortilis; Lycoperdon excipuliformis; Lactarius pubescens; Suillus luteus; Octospora rutilans; Lepista nuda; Melanoleuca arcuata; Xerula radicata; Otidea bufonia; Trametes versicolor; Boletus edulis; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Lactarius tabidus; Scleroderma citrinum; Rhytisma acerinum; Claviceps purpurea; Piptoporus betulinus; Melampsoridium betulinum; Leptosphaeria acuta; Mycena pura; Nectria cinnabarina; Russula ochroleuca; Boletus badius; Erysiphe alphitoides; Hygrocybe chlorophana; Rhopographus filicinus; Vuilleminia comedens; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Amanita muscaria; Russula fellea; Cystoderma amianthinum; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Russula mairei; Rickenella fibula; Rickenella swartzii; Laccaria laccata; Lactarius blennius; Chalciporus piperatus; Leccinum scabrum; Lactarius torminosus; Tricholoma fulvum; Amanita rubescens; Coprinus comatus; Geastrum triples; Lycoperdon perlatum; Clitocybe nebularis; Lepista flaccida; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Polyporus leptocephalus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Xylaria hypoxylon; Stereum gausapatum; Tricholoma scalpturatum; Crepidotus cesatii; Clavulinopsis luteo-alba; Inocybe sindonia and Peniophora quercina.

10th October 2012 - Weaver Park, Cheshire - I do like this place and it always seems to be full of promise. It may not always deliver (dependant on conditions) but it is always a nice stroll and with a bit of effort some good stuff can be seen. 11 of us set off today and after a fair wander a list of 69 'shrooms was had, these were:- Inocybe geophylla; Erysiphe alphitoides; Erysiphe heraclei; Lactarius turpis; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Paxillus involutus; Collybia dryophila; Piptoporus betulinus; Geastrum triplex; Trametes versicolor; Nectria cinnabarina; Leptosphaeria acuta; Stereum rameale; Claviceps purpurea; Coprinus comatus; Melampsoridium betulinum; Clitocybe fragrans; Coprinellus micaceus; Coprinellus disseminatus; Stereum hirsutum; Lacrymaria velutina; Lyophyllum decastes; Amanita muscaria; Entoloma rhodopolium; Russula ochroleuca; Boletus badius; Scleroderma verrucosum; Russula betularum; Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina; Leccinum scabrum; Meripilus giganteus; Rickenella fibula; Lactarius tabidus; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Puccinia poarum; Laccaria laccata; Melanoleuca arcuata; Hypholoma fasciculare; Xylaria hypoxylon; Lepista nuda; Hypoxylon multiforme; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Psilocybe semilanceata; Auriscalpium vulgare; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Clavulina rugosum; Agrocybe rivulosa; Rhytisma acerinum; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Tricholoma scalpturatum; Taphrina alni; Bjerkandera adusta; Mycena galericulata; Lepista saeva; Coprinopsis lagopus; Lepiota cristata; Dasyscyphus sulfureus; Crepidotus luteolus; Agaricus arvensis; Agaricus augustus; Agaricus xanthodermus; Clavulinopsis corniculata; Stropharia inuncta; Stropharia caerulea; Inocybe griseolilacina; Cortinarius anomalous; Parasola plicatilis and Tricholoma fulvum.

7th October 2012 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A wander and a laid back look at a few 'shrooms with the intensity switched off and emphasis on just wandering along. Surprisingly the list reached 98 and I couldn't help wonder what the total would have been with a little effort. Anyway here goes the species list:- Leccinum scabrum; Melampsoridium betulinum; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Bovista nigrescens; Hyphodontia sambuci; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Mycena galopus var. candida; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Gymnopus peronatus; Macrolepiota procera; Suillus grevellei; Hygrocybe pratensis; Hygrocybe virginea; Pholiota squarrosa; Vuilleminia comedens; Russula nigricans; Scleroderma verrucosum; Schizopora paradoxa; Phaeolus schweinitzii; Erysiphe alphitoides; Gymnopilus penetrans; Mycena arcangeliana; Boletus badius; Russula atropurpurea; Calocera cornea; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Boletus edulis; Collybia confluens; Collybia dryophila; Nectria cinnabarina; Trametes versicolor; Schizophyllum commune; Trametes gibbosa; Annulohypoxylon fragiforme; Russula ochroleuca; Amanita muscaria; Scleroderma citrinum; Rutstroemia firma; Laccaria amethystea; Helvella crispa; Mycena galericulata; Bolbitius titubans; Cystoderma amianthinum; Ganoderma australe; Meripilus giganteus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Lycoperdon perlatum; Mycena galopus; Psathyrella hydrophila; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Gymnopilus junonius; Stereum hirsutum; Grifola frondosa; Armillaria gallica; Clitocybe geotropa; Auricularia auricular-judae; Pleurotus ostreatus; Trichomolopsis rutilans; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Aleuria aurantia; Coprinellus disseminatus; Trochila ilicina; Stereum gausapatum; Phlebia radiata; Fistulina hepatica; Piptoporus betulinus; Scutellinia scutellata; Leptosphaeria acuta; Mycena pura; Mycena acicula; Claviceps purpurea; Lactarius deterrimus; Stropharia melanosperma; Trichaptum abietinum; Pluteus cervinus; Rhytisma acerinum; Peniophora quercina; Mycena inclinata; Coprinellus micaceus; Xylaria hypoxylon; Laccaria laccata; Lactarius quietus; Dasyscyphus sulfureus; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Clavulinopsis fusiformis; Coprinellus impatiens; Radulomyces molaris; Ascocoryne sarcoides; Pluteus chrysophaeus; Hygrocybe chlorophana; Hygrocybe reidii; Xerocomus cisalpinus; Clavaria fragilis; Clitocybe nebularis; Ossicaulis lignatilis and the myxo Tubifera ferrugineus.

6th October 2012 - Marshall Arms NR, Cheshire - A wayward wander with some enthusiastic kids and some fungal stalwarts at a reserve that really didn't produce the goods last time I visited. This time was much more rewarding with 80 species named not shamed. The list comprised of:- Exidia nucleata; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Schizopora paradoxa; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma; Leptosphaeria acuta; Auricularia auricular-judae; Melanotus horizontalis; Hyphodontia sambuci; Byssomerulius corium; Neobulgaria pura var. foliacea; Armillaria mellea; Erysiphe heraclei; Mycena galopus; Polyporus squamosus; Rhopographus filicinus; Inocybe geophylla; Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Claviceps purpurea; Trametes gibbosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Trichoderma viride; Stereum gausapatum; Trochila ilicina; Scleroderma citrinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Phlebia radiata; Rutstroemia firma; Mycena inclinata; Trametes versicolor; Stereum hirsutum; Mycena galericulata; Nectria cinnabarina; Xylaria hypoxylon; Tricholoma fulvum; Erysiphe alphitoides; Laetiporus sulphureus; Cortinarius paleaceus; Laccaria amethystea; Helvella crispa; Lactarius blennius; Lepista nuda; Pholiota gummosa; Clavulina cinerea; Chalciporus piperatus; Piptoporus betulinus; Leotia lubrica; Lactarius turpis; Coprinellus micaceus; Amanita muscaria; Rhytisma acerinum; Suillus grevellei; Tubaria furfuracea; Coprinus acuminatus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Laccaria laccata; Russula ochroleuca; Cortinarius purpurescens; Tubaria dispersa; Xylaria longipes; Xylaria polymorpha; Crepidotus cesatii; Bisporella sulfurina; Diatrypella quercinia; Tricholoma scalpturatum; Melanoleuca arcuata; Clavulinopsis fusiformis; Clavulina rugosum; Agaricus sylvaticus; Lactarius cimicarius; Parasola plicatilis; Mycena galopus var. candida; Paxillus involutus; Lenzites betulinus; Radulomyces confluens; Diatrypella favacea; Hymenoscyphus herbarum;  Hypoxylon fuscum; Ganoderma australe; and Coniophora arida. Thank you to John Taylor for the last 7 ID's and the Coprinus acuminatus which I presumed was just atramentaria - nice one John.

5th October 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A dinner time wander around the urban sprawl and the following fungi seen:- Geastrum triplex; Hygrocybe vitellina; Hygrocybe pratensis; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Hygrocybe virginea; Cystoderma amianthinum; Geoglossum fallax; Coprinellus micaceus; Meripilus giganteus; Laccaria laccata; Clavulina rugosum; Clavulinopsis helvola; Clavulinopsis corniculata and Trochila ilicina. Walking home I added Hypholoma fasciculare; Inocybe geophylla; Erisyphe polygonii; Amanita muscaria; Erisyphe alphitoides; Coprinus comatus and Coprinopsis atramentaria. 22 species without even trying - keep your eyes peeled.

3rd October 2012 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - A wander with some adult carers from work and with the rain holding off and intermittent bursts of sunshine the good company and fungi were enjoyed despite feeling jaded from yesterday's endeavours. I wasn't as strict with my list as per usual and only a small area was covered but 41 species were noted, these being:- Stereum hirsutum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Helvella crispa; Russula ochroleuca; Inocybe geophylla; Trochila ilicina; Oxyporus populinus; Leotia lubrica; Rhopographus filicinus; Laccaria laccata; Laccaria amethystea; Coprinus comatus; Clavulina cristata; Piptoporus betulinus; Hyopcrea pulvinata; Clavulina rugosum; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Nectria cinnabarina; Ganoderma australe; Pluteus umbrosus; Pluteus cervinus; Pluteus chrysophaeus; Russula nigrescens; Trametes pubescens; Hyphodontia sambuci; Paxillus involutus; Tricholoma fulvum; Leccinum scabrum; Xylaria polymorpha; Erysiphe alphitoides; Coprinellus micaceus; Rhytisma acerinum; Lactarius pubescens; Pholiota squarrosa; Lactarius turpis; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Lycoperdon perlatum; Tricholoma scalpturatum; Geastrum triplex and Claviceps purpurea.

2nd October 2012 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - The third and final instalment of the 3 day training for Lancashire based volunteers. I hope I have passed on some priceless enthusiasm, some good fungal tips and given everyone a half decent time learning about this mysterious myco world. Today was spent in the field, putting to the test all we have learned - the result - 90 species and a few people getting quite clued in - nifty. Today's list was as follows:- Amanita fulva; Amanita rubescens; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Auriscalpium vulgare; Bjerkandera adusta; Boletus badius; Chondrostereum purpureum; Collybia confluens; Collybia dryophila; Coprinellus micaceus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Dacrymyces stillatus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Exidia nucleata; Gymnopilus penetrans; Heterobasidion annosum; Auricularia auricular-judae; Trichaptum abietinum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Inocybe geophylla; Inocybe griseolilacina; Laccaria laccata; Lactarius tabidus; Lactarius torminosus; Lactarius turpis; Lactarius vietus; Laetiporous sulphureus; Leccinum varicolor; Leccinum scabrum; Datronia mollis; Lepiota cristata; Mycena arcangeliana; Mycena galericulata; Mycena galopus; Mycena galopus var. candida; Mycena inclinata; Nectria cinnabarina; Peniophora quercina; Paxillus involutus; Phallus impudicus; Piptoporus betulinus; Pluteus cervinus; Psathyrella candolleana; Rhytisma acerinum; Russula betularum; Russula ochroleuca; Schizopora paradoxa; Scleroderma citrinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Skeletocutis amorpha; Stereum hirsutum; Stereum rameale; Tremella foliocea; Trametes gibbosa; Trametes versicolor; Tricholoma fulvum; Tricholoma imbricatum; Tubaria furfuracea; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trochila ilicina; Claviceps purpurea; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Rhopographus filicinus; Xylaria longipes; Hyphodontia sambuci; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Rickenella fibula; Hymenoscyphus fructigenus; Claviceps purpurea; Melampsoridium betulinum; Rickenella swartzii; Coleosporium tussilaginis; Melanophyllum haematospermum; Xylaria polymorpha; Xylaria longipes; Crepidotus variabilis; Crepidotus cesatii; Phellinus ferrugineus; Scutellinia scutellata; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma; Tarzetta cupularis; Bisporella sulfurina; Ganoderma australe; Leptoglossum retirugum; Lactarius rufus; Inocybe phaeodisca var. phaeodisca; Radulomyces molaris and the myxo Fuligo septica.

23rd September 2012 - Formby NT, Lancashire - A good crowd of 32 were patient and rewarded with very little due to the season still refusing to fully get going. 37 species was the total return for 3 and a half hours of mooching. The list was:- Rhytisma acerinum; Piptoporus betulinus; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Russula sanguinea; Russula betularum; Amanita rubescens; Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina; Inocybe geophylla; Marasmius androsaceus; Tricholoma sulphureum; Marasmiellus ramealis; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Heterobasidion annosum; Erysiphe alphitoides; Lactarius tabidus; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Exidia nucleata; Coprinus comatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Xylaria longipes; Claviceps purpurea; Hypholoma fasciculare; Trichaptum abietinum; Inocybe dunensis; Mycena galopus; Auriscalpium vulgare; Crucibulum laeve; Lycoperdon perlatum; Geastrum triplex; Russula ochroleuca; Geoglossum cookeianum; Inocybe splendens var. phaeoleuca; Tricholoma terreum; Agaricus arvensis; Geastrum fimbriatus; Entoloma sericellum and Chroogomphus rutilus.

22nd September 2012 - Arley Hall, Cheshire, Cheshire - 2 fungus walks, 34 enthusiastic people and 4 hours in the field, a small area covered, the result 65 species. The list was:- Russula sororia; Laccaria laccata; Mycena acicula; Rhytisma acerinum; Coprinus comatus; Bolbitius titubans; Exidia nucleata; Marasmius rotula; Leptosphaeria acuta; Piptoporus betulinus; Mycena galericulata; Russula ochroleuca; Nectria cinnabarina; Lacrymaria velutina; Auricularia auricular-judae; Amanita vaginata; Amanita fulva; Paxillus involutus; Xerula radicata; Dacrymyces stillatus; Xylaria longipes; Lactarius turpis; Mycena galopus; Stereum hirsutum; Cordyceps militaris; Amanita rubescens; Peniophora lycii; Mycena inclinata; Fistulina hepatica; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Hypholoma fasciculare; Phallus impudicus; Scleroderma citrinum; Schizopora paradoxa; Collybia confluens; Amanita muscaria; Russula nigricans; Thelephora terrestris; Hygrocybe psittacina; Bovista nigrescens; Russula betularum; Clitocybe odora; Rickenella swartzii; Cystoderma amianthinum; Lactarius tabidus; Trochila ilicina; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Inocybe geophylla; Scleroderma verrucosum; Grifola frondosa; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Peniophora quercina; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Hyphodontia sambuci; Clavulinopsis helvola; Parasola plicatilis; Russula gracillima; Hymenoscyphus fructigenus; Exidia plana; Psathyrella corrugis; Erysiphe alphitoides; Russula puellaris; Rigidoporus sanguinolentus and Eutypa achari.

Thanks to John Taylor of the North West Fungus Group for confirmation of the last 4 species and his kind company and advice throughout the day.

19th September 2012 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Erysiphe polygoni was noted on Knot-Grass leaves.

18th September 2012 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - The 2nd part of the 3 day training event saw a bit of microscopy, a slideshow and 1 and 3 quarter hours in the field. 44 species was the total, these being:- Polyporus leptocephalus; Neobulgaria pura var. foliocea; Xylaria longipes; Rhytisma acerinum; Datronia mollis; Nectria cinnabarina; Auricularia-auricular-judae; Paxillus involutus; Boletus edulis; Lactarius quietus; Lactarius tabidus; Auriscalpium vulgare; Piptoporus betulinus; Coprinellus micaceus; Stereum hirsutum; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Trametes versicolor; Bjerkandera adusta; Laccaria laccata; Exidia nucleata; Mycena pura; Tricholoma fulvum; Boletus badius; Crepidotus cesatii; Inocybe griseolilacina; Trametes gibbosa; Scleroderma citrinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Russula nigricans; Amanita fulva; Phallus impudicus; Handkea excipuliformis; Gymnopilus penetrans; Russula betularum; Russula ochroleuca; Schizopora paradoxa; Mycena galopus; Gymnopus peronata; Mycena galericulata; Inocybe asterospora; Tarzetta cupularis; Inocybe geophylla and the myxo Fuligo septica.

16th September 2012 - Pennington Flash, Lancashire - Ergot (Claviceps purpurea) was seen again for the umpteenth time this year and Trametes gibbosa and Scleroderma verrucosum were also noted.

15th September 2012 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire - 19 of us set off (which was a surprise as 30 were booked on) and we struggle to make any serious headway with the fungal list due to rather dry conditions that have followed a somewhat rubbish summer. 57 species were noted, these being:- Piptoporus betulinus; Calocera viscosa; Sclerodoma citrinum; Rhytisma acerinum; Erysiphe alphitoides; Nectria cinnabarina; Rhopographus filicinus; Taphrina betulina; Paxillus involutus; Gymnopus confluens; Gymnopus peronatus; Phallus impudicus; Hyphodontia sambuci; Hypholoma fasciculare; Gymnopilus penetrans; Trametes versicolor; Xylaria polymorpha; Bjerkandera adusta; Collybia maculata; Russula ochroleuca; Hypomyces chrysopermus; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Trichaptum abietinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Stereum hirsutum; Amanita fulva; Tricholomopsis rutilans; Coprinellus micaceus; Amanita muscaria; Heterobasidion annosum; Trochila ilicina; Boletus badius; Russula betularum; Merulius tremollosus; Mycena galopus; Amanita rubescens; Laccaria laccata; Xylaria hypoxylon; Russula sardonia; Rickenella fibula; Postia caesia; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Pluteus cervinus; Aleuria aurantia; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Claviceps purpurea; Ganoderma australe; Crepidotus cesatii; Xerocomus subtomentosus; Melanoleuca cognata; Lactarius deliciosus; Phragmidium violaceum; Hebeloma sinapizans; Inocybe asterospora; Peziza badia and the myxos Fuligo septica and Lycogala terrestre.

12th September 2012 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A Paxillus that I take to be the type validus - is this indeed valid. I am going to look further - watch this space!

11th September 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Meripilus giganteus and Amanita rubescens just emerging after a good bout of rain.

10th September 2012 - Little Budworth Country Park, Cheshire - A great woodland but what a shocking fungal turn-out, just 5 species, whice were:- Scleroderma citrinum; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Piptoporus betulinus; Amanita fulva and Heterobasidion annosum. Poor for sure!

10th September 2012 - Harthill/Raw Head, Cheshire - The potential for loads of fungi is there but the dry conditions are making this season a real struggle thus far. The 13 species noted were:- Leccinum scabrum; Trochila ilicina; Rhytisma acerinum; Macrolepiota procera; Amanita rubescens; Rhopographus filicinus; Scleroderma citrinum; Erysiphe alphitoides; Ganoderma australe; Russula ochroleuca; Fistulina hepatica; Bjerkandera adusta and Boletus pulverulentus.

5th September 2012 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A troop of Lyophyllum connatum was a nice find on the way to work

4th September 2012 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - The first of three training days with we three moochers and 13 attendants taking a full excursion out in the woodland today to get to grips with the basics of foraying and a few species on the way. The fungal season has yet to kick in but the list we came up with was a half decent 50 species, these were:- Lepiota cristata; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Nectria cinnabarina; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Trametes versicolor; Phallus impudicus; Amanita fulva; Scleroderma citrinum; Stereum hirsutum; Piptoporus betulinus; Trochila ilicina; Scleroderma verrucosum; Pleurotus ostreatus; Mycena adscendens; Lactarius tabidus; Mycena galopus; Laetiporus sulphureus; Rhopographus filicinus; Tarzetta cupularis; Stereum rugosum; Meripilus giganteus; Peniophora quercina; Auricularia auricula-judae; Bjerkandera adusta; Helvella macropus; Bisporella sulfurina; Laccaria laccata; Heterobasidion annosum; Mycena acicula; Amanita rubescens; Claviceps purpurea; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Russula ochroleuca; Skeletocutis amorpha; Trichaptum abietinum; Rickenella fibula; Pholiota flammans; Gymnopilus penetrans; Trichoderma viride; Dacrymyces stillatus; Tricholomopsis rutilans; Lycoperdon perlatum; Auriscalpium vulgare; Clavulina cristata; Collybia peronata; Crepidotus cesatii; Ganoderma australe; Hebeloma hiemale and the myxo Fuligo septica.

2nd September 2012 - Lyme Park, Cheshire - Not one of my favourite fungal sites this as the overall feel of something processed and a place for the fair weather wanderer leaves me a little out of sync. Hey ho - we had a nice stroll and came up with a lowly effort of 25 species, which were:- Phallus impudicus (egg stage); Scleroderma citrinum; Rhytisma acerinum; Trochila ilicina; Calocera cornea; Bolbitius titubans; Claviceps purpurea; Hygrocybe psittacina; Marasmius oreades; Amanita rubescens; Boletus edulis; Tricholomopsis rutilans; Marasmius rotula; Laetiporus sulphureus; Trametes gibbosa; Stereum hirsutum; Erysiphe alphitoides; Bjerkandera adusta; Russula ochroleuca; Laccaria laccata; Russula atropurpurea; Marasmius ramealis; Lactarius tabidus; Xylaria longipes and Russula betularum.

1st September 2012 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - A de-rusting walk and the first test of my sketchy Fungal ID skills. 9 of us set off and came up with a list that was bloody well earned. A real slow start to the season with little about but the following 64 species made things interesting:- Leotia lubrica; Laccaria laccata; Peniophora quercina; Stereum hirsutum; Helvella crispa; Polyporus squamosus; Trochila ilicina; Mycena rorida; Rhytisma acerinum; Entomophthora sp. (on Hoverfly species); Calocera cornea; Inocybe geophylla; Clavulina cristata; Trametes versicolor; Marasmius ramealis; Gloeophyllum sepiarium; Scleroderma citrinum; Marasmius androsaceus; Amanita crocea; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Hymenochaete rubiginosa; Piptoporus betulinus; Daldinia concentrica; Dacrymyces stillatus; Trametes gibbosa; Nectria cinnabarina; Trichaptum abietinum; Russula ochroleuca; Rickenella fibula; Mycena galopus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Heterobasidion annosum; Erysiphe alphitoides; Cudoniella acicularis; Claviceps purpurea; Hyphodontia sambuci; Clavulina rugosa; Bolbitius titubans; Coprinellus disseminatus; Gymnopilus penetrans; Pluteus cervinus; Auricularia mesenterica; Schizopora paradoxa; Laccaria amethystea; Xylaria longipes; Xylaria hypoxylon; Auricularia auricula-judae; Collybia confluens; Leccinum scabrum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Trametes pubescens; Puccinia annularis; Clitopilus prunulus; Boletus luridus; Amanita fulva; Tricholoma fulvum; Lactarius pyrogalus; Crepidotus variabilis; Phragmidium violaceum; Tricholoma sciodes and the slime mold Fuligo septica.

28th August 2012 - Portland Bill, Dorset - Coleosporium tussilaginis was seen on Eyebright leaves and was a species I hadn't seen before although it transpired I had found it earlier in the week on Red Bartsia leaves.  It's all a learning curve and thanks again to rust magic man Chris Yeates for his ever welcome advice. Bovista plumbea was noted and Marasmius oreades was plentiful in quite sizeable rings.

27th August 2012 - Avon Tyrell, New Forest, Hampshire - Whilst waiting for our daughter to finish her karate Gashku we spotted a lone specimen of Russula sanguinea.

27th August 2012 - Lucy Hill, New Forest, Hampshire - A terrible day for fungi with barely anything on show.  The list was a paltry 4 with Coprinus patouillardii; Scleroderma citrinum; Piptoporus betulinus and Cantharellus cibarius the only specimens seen.

24th August 2012 - Lucy Hill, New Forest, Hampshire - A lone Paneolus semiovatus protruded from a mound of dung.

24th August 2012 - Wilverley Woods, New Forest, Hampshire - Fungi should be plentiful and they aren't, the list today was a poxy 10 species, these being:- Hypoxylon fragiforme; Calocera viscosa; Scleroderma citrinum; Amanita excelsa; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Amanita citrina; Russula ochroleuca; Psathyrella candolleana and the myxo Tubifera ferruginosa.

24th August 2012 - Burley, New Forest, Hampshire - A brace of Agaricus augustus graced the pathside of this tiny village.

23rd August 2012 - Studland Heath, Dorset - Russula claroflava; Piptoporus betulinus and Daedaleopsis confragosa.

23rd August 2012 - Purbeck area, Dorset - A few 'shrooms out but not many.  Russula betularum; Amanita fulva and Stropharia semiglobata to be accurate.

20th August 2012 - Ringstead Bay, Dorset - A couple of 'shrooms - Paneolus semiovatus; Daldinia fissa; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Hyphodontia sambuci and Auricularia auricula-judae.

20th August 2012 - Powerstock Common, Dorset - A mooch with Mr Jordan and not bloody much to see bah (and here's me wanting to test this dude to the max ha, ha) - the result - Hygrocybe autoconica; Claviceps purpurea; Marasmius rotula; Daedaleopsis confragosa and Piptoporus betulinus - rubbish or what!  Apparently the whole of Dorset (and beyond) is a fungal desert!

18th August 2012 - Portland Bill, Dorset - A couple rusts were Coleosporium tussilaginis on Eyebright agg. and Puccinia malvacearum on Mallow.

7th August 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Hygrocybe nigrescens on the lawn at work.

4th August 2012 - Ainsdale Sandhills, Lancashire - A new one for us, the cup fungus Peziza ammophila in the sand dunes as well as the sturdy Inocybe arenicola and the more delicate Psathyrella ammophila. Just to add ammophila originates from the Greek words
of Ammos, meaning sand, and Phillia, meaning lover.

2nd August 2012 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Leccinum aurantiacum found beneath Oak and Marasmius rameale found in a small group on litter.

1st August 2012 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - A few fungi around today with the list of 18 comprising of:- Collybia confluens; Psathyrella candolleana; Stereum hirsutum; Laetiporus sulphureus; Lepiota cristata; Hypholoma fasciculare; Bjerkandera adusta; Coprinellus micaceus; Scleroderma verrucosum; Exidia nucleata; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Trametes versicolor; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Scleroderma citrinum; Pluteus cervinus; Piptoporus betulinus; Heterobasidion annosum and Phallus impudicus.

22nd July 2012 - Anderton NR, Cheshire - Erysiphe alphitoides; Puccinia poarum; Trametes gibbosa and Triphragmium ulmariae were the only fungi recorded.

21st July 2012 - Birkdale Dunes Area, Southport, Lancashire - Uromyces trifolii-repentis on Strawberry Clover; Puccinia malvaceraum; Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae and a ring of Marasmius oreades were the only finds of the day.

20th July 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A nip out for lunch and the beautiful Hygrocybe vitellina was spotted in some short cropped mossy grass.

19th July 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Walking to work and a troop of Marsmius oreades was noted.

18th July 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A good troop of Laccaria laccata was noted on the way to work and in my dinner break a small group of Amanita spissa were enjoyed.

15th July 2012 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - Hypholoma fasciculare; Trichaptum abietinum; Rickenella fibula and Phallus impudicus were the only fungal treats.

15th July 2012 - Ainsdale NE, Lancashire - Pluteus cervinus; Amanita rubescens; Russula amoenolens; Russula persicina and Inocybe dunensis were the only species in fruit despite loads of rain recently. Fussy buggers these fungi!

7th July 2012 - Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - Agaricus augustus; Lyophyllum decastes and Agrocybe rivulosa in fruit and not much more.

2nd July 2012 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - A wander with Sue Rogerson from the Hampshire Fungus Group resulted in very little indeed with the weather holding up but the fungi not showing. The small list compiled was:- Datronia mollis; Xylaria longipes; Crepidotus mollis; Bjerkandera adusta; Mycena rorida; Xylaria carpophila; Heterobasidion annosum; Trichaptum abietinum; Dacrymyces stillatus; Calocera cornea; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia-auricula judae; Peniophora quercina; Trachyspora intrusa; Orbilia curvatispora and Crepidotus cesatii.

30th June 2012 - Styal CP, Cheshire - 5 species noted which were:- Crepidotus mollis; Xylaria longipes; Coprinellus disseminatus; Datronia mollis and Coprinopsis micaceus.

24th June 2012 - Moore NR, Cheshire - 18 species in fruit, these were:- Stereum hirsutum; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia-auricula judae; Daldinia fissa; Polyporus leptocephalus; Piptoporus betulinus; Xylaria longipes; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Pluteus cervinus; Rhopographus filicinus; Rhytisma acerinum; Nectria cinnabarina; Bolbitius titubans; Puccinia punctiformis; Phragmidium violaceum; Scutellinia scutellata and Microbotryum silenes-dioicae.

21st June 2012 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Agrocybe rivulosa (what else) was seen on recently created piles of woodchip.

13th June 2012 - Clockface CP, Lancashire - Taphrini alni was just starting to fruit on 2 Alder cones.

10th June 2012 - Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk - Consultations with Chris Yeates (the micro fiungi master) were had after picking a leaf I misidentified as Guelder Rose. The leaf was in fact a Ribes species and the orange aecial stage of fruiting bodies belonged to Puccina caricina. Thank you again Mr Yeates.

7th June 2012 - Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk - Puccinia urticata and Triphragmium ulmariae were both numerous.

6th June 2012 - West Kirby, Cheshire - Puccinia malvaceraum and Puccinia phragmitis were both seen today whilst on a walk with the kids from work.

4th June 2012 - River Dee, Cheshire - 2 Yellow Dung Flies were spotted and covered with the deadly fungus Entomophthora sp. Entering the digestive tract the fungus gets to work and expands until it is seen bursting out through the abdominal plates. The even more sinsiter part is that the fungus, before the fly dies, forces the fly to climb to a high spot (known as 'Summit Disease') and then straighten its hind legs and open its wings. The fly succumbs and the fungus is now in a suitable place to release its spores (very nasty).

Puccinia urticata was noted several times growing on its usual host Common Nettle. After discussing details of another rust with Chris Yeates (King of the Rusts) it was discovered that the aecial stage of Puccinia recondita was seen on Meadow Rue. Nice one Chris!

Phragmidium tuberculatum was noted on a Rose sp.

21st May 2012 - Ainsdale Sands Lake, Lancashire - Puccinia poarum noted on Colts-Foot leaves.

21st May 2012 - Fisherman's Path, Freshfield Heath, Formby, Lancashire - Octospora rutilans and Polyporus squamosus both in fruit.

20th May 2012 - Griffin Wood, Lancashire - Puccinia pulverulenta; Puccinia urticata; Stereum hirsutum; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Rhytisma acerinum; Daldinia concentrica; Schizopora paradoxa; Exidia glandulosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia-auricula judae; Trametes gibbosa; Laccaria laccata; Xylaria longipes and Rhopographus filicinus were picked up on a Nosey Nature Day.

19th May 2012 - Millers Dale, Derbyshire - Phragmidium sanguisorbae; Trachyspora intrusa; Calocybe gambosa; Agrocybe rivulosa; Tremella mesenterica; Puccinia sessilis; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae and Uromyces ficariae were the only finds on a cold day.

13th May 2012 - Chorlton WP, Greater Manchester - A ring of Calocybe gambosa - well 3 quarters of a circle - was observed.

12th May 2012 - Meathop Moss, Cumbria - Uromyces ficariae on Lesser Celandine was noted.

12th May 2012 - Gait Barrows, Cumbria - Puccinia betonicae on Betony, Pucinia sessilis on Lords and Ladies - that's it folks.

12th May 2012 - Leighton Moss, Cumbria - Triphragmium ulmariae on Meadowsweet leaves and Puccinia sessilis on Lords and Ladies leaves were the only two fungi noted.

7th May 2012 - Chorlton WP, Greater Manchester - Melampsorella symphyti was frequent on the leaves of Comfrey.

5th May 2012 - Fisherman's Path, Freshfield Heath, Formby, Lancashire - Calocybe gambosa and some ludicrously early Hygrocybe psittacina were in a local meadow. The Gall Protomyces macrosporus was noted on Ground Elder leaves.

2 May 2012 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Albugo candida on Thale Cress stems and Puccinia punctiformis on Thistle were two new sightings for the year.

2 May 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Puccinia vincae noted on Greater Periwinkle leaves.

27th April 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Melampsora euphorbiae noted on usual host and a new rust for the list in the bag. Microscopy checks needed though just to be sure!

22nd April 2012 - Churchtown Farm, Saltash, Cornwall - Not much about but Rhopographus filicinus; Polyporus squamosus; Puccinia smyrnii and Daldinia concentrica were picked out.

21st April 2012 - China Fleet Golf Club, Cornwall - A potter about whilst awaiting our daughter to finish the aforementioned Karate session produced:- Puccinia primulae and Puccinia umbilici, 2 new species for us - not bad at all.

21st April 2012 - Lopwell Dam, Plymouth, Devon - Puccinia violae; Phragmidium violaceum; Trametes versicolour; Stereum hirsutum; Polyporus squamosus and Hypoxylon multiforme all seen whilst pottering about prior to a karate session.

20th April 2012 - Prawle Point, Devon - Daldinia concentrica and Puccinia smyrnii both noted whilst looking for bird life.

15th April 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport - A cluster of Peziza repanda was found growing on woodchip.

15th April 2012 - Tideswell/Cressbrook NR - Coprinopsis atramentaria; Uromyces dactylidis; Uromyces ficariae; Auricularia-auricula judae; Calocybe gambosa; Trametes gibbosa; and Hypholoma fasciculare were all seen on a leisurely stroll.

1st April 2012 - Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - Some very young clumps of Calocybe gambosa were showing and 8 specimens of Verpa conica were bursting through - are we that far on in the year already?

29th March 2012 - Pennington Flash, Lancashire - A stump produced 3 cushions of the slime mold Entiridium lycoperdon, all in different stages.

16th March 2012 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Puccinia dactylidis on Lesser Celandine leaves.

11th March 2012 - Runcorn Hill NR, Cheshire - Very few species present with Daldinia concentrica and Daldinia fissa growing in close proximity and possibly a third type of Crampball - watch this space. Coprinellus radians again confirmed later after a microscopical examination. HAT-TRICK - after sending a specimen to Mr Michael Jordan it was confirmed that Daldinia loculata was the species under question.

10th March 2012 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - Not a lot about but a nice batch of Datronia mollis and a few cups of Sarcoscypha austriaca caught the eye as did the yellow encrusting body of Hypocrea pulvinata on its usual host Piptoporus betulinus. Coprinellus radians was later confirmed by microscopy.

26th February 2012 - Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - Not on the hunt for fungi as such we still turned up a few usual species with Peniophora lycii in great abundance and the first sighting this year of Kretzschmaria deusta.

19th February 2012 - Risley Moss, Cheshire - Plenty of usual suspects with Daedalea quercina; Auricularia-auricula judae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Exidia glandulosa; Rhopographus filicinus; Sarcoscypha austriaca; Bjerkandera adusta; Taphrina betulina; Polyporus brumalis; Piptoporus betulinus; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Hypoxylon multiforme making up a list of 13 species.

15th February 2012 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - Datronia mollis; Dacrymyces stillatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Pleurotus ostreatus; Flammulina velutipes; Auricularia mesenterica; Auricularia-auricula judae; Peniophora quercina; Exidia nucleata; Vuillemina comedens; Hypoxylon multiforme; Trametes versicolor; Rhytisma acerinum; Byssomerulius corium; Nectria cinnabarina; Trametes gibbosa; Daldinia concentrica and some old Lycoperdon pyriforme made up a list of 18 species.

1st February 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Uromyces muscari was seen on its typical host plant Bluebell.

29th January 2012 - Pennington Flash, Lancashire - Trametes versicolor; Auricularia mesenterica; Flammulina velutipes; Piptoporus betulinus; Coprinellus micaceus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Exidia nucleata; Exidia recisa; Geastrum triplex; Chondrostereum purpureum; Vuillemina comedens; Byssomerulius corium; Dacrymyces stillatus; Nectria cinnabarina; Mycena arcangeliana; Leptosphaeria acuta; Sarcoscypha austriaca and Callorina fusarioides were the 18 species noted whilst on the prowl for bird life.

28th January 2012 - Chorlton WP, Greater Manchester - Gloeophyllum sepiarium; Auricularia mesenterica; Flammulina velutipes; Piptoporus betulinus and Hypoxylon multiforme were the only fungi noted during a brisk birding walk.

22nd January 2012 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - 47 species of fungi with not too much effort. The mild conditions and knowing this place quite well always help. The list was:- Tremella mesenterica; Exidia glandulosa; Exidia recisa; Rhopographus filicinus; Hypoxylon multiforme; Vuillemina comedens; Peniophora quercina; Stereum gausapatum; Stereum rameale; Stereum hirsutum; Tremella foliocea; Hypocrea pulvinata; Piptoporus betulinus; Mycena galericulata; Oxyporus populinus; Coprinellus micaceus; Trochila ilicina; Auricularia-auricula judae; Crepidotus mollis; Leptosphaeria acuta; Datronia mollis; Xylaria carpophila; Peniophora lycii; Ganoderma australe; Polyporus brumalis; Bulgar inquinans; Auricularia mesenterica; Flammulina velutipes; Daldinia concentrica; Trametes versicolor; Pleurotus ostreatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Panellus serotinus; Phlebia radiata; Rhytisma acerinum; Sarcoscypha austriaca; Tubaria furfuracea; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Fomes fomentarius; Crepidotus cesatii; Crepidotus variabilis; Ascocoryne sarcoides; Byssomerulius corium; Dacrymyces stillatus; Glonium lineare and Trametes pubescens.

7th January 2012 - Anglers CP, Wakefield, West Yorkshire - Only 6 species noted - Hairy Stereum; Piptoporus betulinus; Rhytisma acerinum; Hypoxylon multiforme; Xylaria hypoxylon and Daedaleopsis confragosa.

6th January 2012 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A single specimen of Lepista nuda was seen outside my place of work.

5th January 2012 - Heaton Moor/River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Puccinia lagenophorae noted on Groundsel leaves and Cumminsiella mirabilissima was noted on Mahonia leaves.

4th January 2012 - Heaton Moor/River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - One small Ash log and 3 fungi which were:- Stereum hirsutum; Daldinia concentrica and Auricularia-auricula judae.

2nd January 2012 - Moore NR, Cheshire - 40 species of fungus seen today with the sun shining bright and the sky remaining clear. The list comprised of:- Stereum rameale; Daldinia fissa; Hypocrea pulvinata; Piptoporus betulinus; Flammulina velutipes; Postia subcaesia; Polyporus brumalis; Mollisia cinerea; Hypoxylon multiforme; Leptosphaeria acuta; Hypholoma fasciculare; Exidia glandulosa; Rhopographus filicinus; Tubaria furfuracea; Lepista flaccida; Exidia recisa; Coprinellus micaceus; Xylaria polymorpha; Trametes gibbosa; Phlebia radiata; Rhytisma acerinum; Nectria cinnabarina; Exidia nucleata; Chondrostereum purpureum; Clitocybe fragrans; Mycena galopus; Phellinus igniarius; Sarcoscypha austriaca; Rutstroemia firma; Dacrymyces stillatus; Collybia butyracea; Calocera glossoides; Stereum hirsutum; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia-auricula judae; Xylaria hypoxylon; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Hyphodontia sambucii; Peniophora incarnata; Geastrum triplex; Crepidotus variabilis; Tremella aurantia and Ascocoryne sarcoides.

1st January 2012 - Marton Mere, Lancashire - Only 3 species of fungi seen in fruit, these being Chondrostereum purpureum; Crepidotus cesatii and Auricularia-auricula judae.