FUNGAL FRIENDS SIGHTINGS
 
(Member of the Fungus Conservation Trust - Registered Charity No. 1118651)
 
News from within and outside the area.
 
25th December 2013 - Portland Bill, Dorset - 2 festive fungi - Puccina smyrnii was on the leaves of Alexanders and Bolbitius titubans was also seen.
 
24th December 2013 - Portland Bill, Dorset - A fine group of Lepista saeva was seen as well as several clumps of Clavulinopsis corniculata.
 
7th December 2013 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - A new one for us - Neoerysiphe galeopsidis on White Dead Nettle leaves. Other than that in the 45 minutes we were mooching - just the usual - as always it is nice to see Auriscalpium vulgare though.
 
6th December 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Hygrocybe psittacina; Hygrocybe pratensis; Coprinellus micaceus and Geoglossum fallax still producing fruit on the lawn outside work. 
 
4th December 2013 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport - Paxillus involutus was growing out of a wall, approximately 4ft up and a fresh batch of Pleurotus ostreatus was seen on a old rotting log.
 

30th November 2013 - Anderton NR/Marbury CP- A birding wander, a few fungi noted:- Daedaleopsis confragosa; Xylaria hypoxylon; Chondrostereum purpureum; Trametes versicolor and Auricularia auricular-judae were all on fallen Salix branches whereas Stereum hirsutum and Bulgaria inquinans where on a fallen Quercus log. Trametes gibbosa and Rhodocollybia butyracea were in association with Fagus and Clitocybe nebularis was with varied deciduous trees whilst a group of Tricholoma cingulatum was found near Quercus.

Phragmidium bulbosum and Anthostomella rubicola were found on Rubus agg. and Leptosphaeria acuta on Urtica.
 
24th November 2013 - Pennington Flash, G. Manchester - A bit of birding, just a couple of fungal specimens:- Tremella foliocea; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Phlebia radiata and Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma.
 
23rd November 2013 - Levenshulme, G. Manchester - Albugo candidans noted for the first time this year, on a species of Bittercress.
 
23rd November 2013 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - Jack Frost has been out and about, the fungi take the brunt of his chilly willy ways, we scraped a few species together whilst out birding, these were:- Coprinellus micaceus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Hygrocybe virginea; Tubaria furfuracea; Xylaria hypoxylon; Hypholoma fasciculare; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Clavulina rugosa; Pluteus cervinus; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Trametes versicolor; Stereum hirsutum; Entoloma rhodopolium; Mycena adscendens; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Clitocybe nebularis; Coprinellus radians; Lepista flaccida; Parasola conopilus and Auricularia mesenterica.
 
19th November 2013 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A young specimen of Amanita muscaria at the roadside shows there is still life in the fungal season yet.
 
17th November 2013 - Cheadle Heath/River Mersey/Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - No car, the time of year for catching up with all records but today we tootled about locally on a circular route and saw a few regular species and a couple of micro fungi. Clitocybe nebularis; Lepista nuda; Hypholoma fasciculare; Agaricus arvensis; Crepidotus luteolus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Xylaria hypoxylon; Chlorophyllum rhacodes and Bjerkandera adusta were taken down in the notebook. Phoma complanata on dead Hogweed stems and Uromyces viciae-fabae on Bush Vetch leaves were confirmed later.
 
5th November 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Another dinner time mooch, some usual suspects as well as:- Collybia cookei on an old Meripilus giganteus fruiting body; a clump of Coprinopsis atramentaria at the base of an ornamental Rowan; Clavulina cinerea and Leptoglossum retirugum in a churchyard and Hygrocybe psittacina and Lycoperdon pyriforme fruiting in the grounds of my workplace.
 
2nd November 2013 - Erddig CP, Wrexham - A Fungal Friends wander with 9 of us in attendance at an area none of us a very familiar with. 80 species was the end result with season really now at the rear end of the fruiting zenith. The species seen were:- Nectria cinnabarina; Rhytisma acerinum; Auricularia auricular-judae; Stereum hirsutum; Exidia nucleata; Xylaria hypoxylon; Byssomerulius corium; Tricholoma scalpturatum; Laccaria amethystea; Pholiota squarrosa; Lepista sordida; Xerula radicata; Laccaria laccata; Russula ochroleuca; Clitocybe nebularis; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Calocera cornea; Trametes gibbosa; Ganoderma australe; Coprinellus micaceus; Bolbitius titubans; Meripilus giganteus; Pluteus cervinus; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Stereum gausapatum; Clitocybe geotropa; Psilocybe semilanceata; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Lycoperdon perlatum; Mycena rosea; Lepista flaccida; Heterobasidion annosum; Trochila ilicina; Hyphodontia sambuci; Hygrocybe quieta; Hygrocybe pratensis; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Hygrocybe virginea; Coprinus comatus; Tricholoma ustale; Coleosporium tussilaginis; Inocybe geophylla; Lactarius pyrogalus; Helvella elastica; Rickenella fibula; Calvatia gigantea; Mycena inclinata; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Bulgaria inquinans; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Resupinatus trichotis; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma; Vuilleminia comedens; Tubaria furfuracea; Leptosphaeria acuta; Puccinia lagenophorae; Gymnopus erythropus; Stropharia aeruginosa; Xylaria longipes; Crepidotus cesatii; Clavulinopsis corniculata; Clavulinopsis fusiformis; Puccinia distincta; Ganoderma applanatum; Hymenoscyphus herbarum; Basidioradulum radula; Clavaria acuta; Mycena flavoalba; Phomopsis pterophila; Phoma samararum; Hygrocybe glutinipes; Hygrocybe chlorophana; Hygrocybe aurantiosplendens; Hygrocybe coccinea; Hebeloma helodes; Monilinia laxa; Coprobia granulatus and Laetiporus sulphureus.
 
31st October 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Chips and sausage for dinner in the cool air of a small churchyard. Belly full and a quick check of the lawn and borders, 11 species found:- Hygrocybe psittacina; Hygrocybe virginea; Dermoloma cuneifolium; Rickenella fibula; Rickenella swartzii; Otidea bufonia; Cystoderma amianthinum; Laccaria laccata; Xylaria hypoxylon; Coprinellus micaceus and Clavulinopsis corniculata.
 
27th October 2013 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - Another full house, 29 of us set off, the result of the foray and 2 hours before and after resulted in a list of 143 species, these were:- Gymnopus peronatus; Hygrocybe quieta; Rickenella swartzii; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Gymnopus dryophilus; Mycena galericulata; Hygrocybe psittacina; Dermoloma cuneifolium; Lepista nuda; Bulgaria inquinans; Libertella faginea;. Russula caerulea; Phaeolus schweinitzii; Auriscalpium vulgare; Baeospora myosura; Xylaria longipes; Lactarius quietus; Mycena acicula; Abortiporus biennis; Rickenella fibula; Suillus grevellei; Stropharia semiglobata; Polyporus leptocephalus; Mycena pura; Mycena haematopus; Armillaria mellea; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Nectria coccinea; Pholiota squarrosa; Melanotus horizontalis; Coprinellus impatiens; Schizophyllum commune; Meripilus giganteus; Boletus edulis; Clitopilus prunulus; Boletus pruinatus; Macrolepiota procera; Lactarius blennius; Russula nobilis; Mycena rosea; Chalciporus piperatus; Eutypa spinosa; Pleurotus ostreatus; Phlebia tremellosa; Leptosphaeria acuta; Peniophora quercina; Mycoacia uda; Grifola frondosa; Cordyceps militaris; Scleroderma citrinum; Rhopographus filicinus; Piptoporus betulinus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Psathyrella hydrophila; Tricholoma fulvum; Pluteus cervinus; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Stereum sanguinolentum; Trichaptum abietinum; Gymnopilus penetrans; Mycena galopus var. candida; Sparassis crispa; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Phlebia radiata; Bjerkandera adusta; Bolbitius titubans; Hygrocybe pratensis; Cystoderma amianthinum; Lycoperdon perlatum; Calocera cornea; Trametes gibbosa; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Ganoderma australe; Russula fellea; Oudemansiella mucida; Exidia glandulosa; Dacrymyces stillatus; Paxillus involutus; Laccaria amethystea; Gymnopus confluens; Scleroderma verrucosum; Trichoderma viride; Schizopora paradoxa; Helvella crispa; Stereum gausapatum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Mycena galopus; Trametes versicolor; Stereum hirsutum; Russula ochroleuca; Clitocybe fragrans; Lepista flaccida; Exidia nucleata; Mycena inclinata; Erysiphe alphitoides; Pycnostysanus azaleae; Clitocybe nebularis; Xylaria hypoxylon; Psilocybe cyanescens; Trochila ilicina; Auricularia auricular-judae; Nectria cinnabarina; Mycena arcangeliana; Hygrocybe virginea; Laccaria laccata; Lactarius turpis; Amanita rubescens; Amanita muscaria; Vuilleminia comedens; Rhytisma acerinum; Crepidotus lundelli; Crepidotus luteolus; Crepidotus cesatii; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Clavulinopsis helvola; Hymenoscyphus fructigenus; Hymenoscyphus fagineus; Clavulinopsis fusiformis; Clavulinopsis luteo-alba; Tricholoma ustale; Clavaria fragilis; Pluteus luteovirens; Parasola leiocephalus; Resupinatus trichotis; Entoloma serrulatum; Rutstroemia firma; Melanoleuca polioleuca; Diatrype disciformis; Clavulinopsis corniculata; Russula fragilis; Hygrocybe reidii; Hygrocybe ceracea; Hygrocybe chlorophana; Hygrocybe insipida; Entoloma conferendum; Hygrocybe coccinea; Tubaria furfuracea; Panaeolus acuminatus; Lentinellus ursinus; Coprobia granulatus; Pilobolus crystallinus var. kleinii and the myxos Lycogala epidendrum and Mucilago crustacea.
 
26th October 2013 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - A quick stroll to stretch the legs, 38 species was the result:- Typhula uncialis; Mycena inclinata; Vuilleminia comedens; Peniophora quercina; Nectria cinnabarina; Pholiota gummosa; Stereum rameale; Erysiphe alphitoides; Amanita muscaria; Lactarius tabidus; Phragmidium violaceum; Laccaria laccata; Stereum rugosum; Pycnostysanus azaleae; Trametes gibbosa; Auricularia auricular-judae; Stereum hirsutum; Meripilus giganteus; Trametes versicolor; Mycena galopus; Echinoderma aspera; Tricholoma sciodes; Russula nobilis; Ganoderma australe; Trochila ilicina; Crepidotus mollis; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Polyporus squamosus; Daldinia concentrica; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Leptosphaeria acuta; Pluteus cervinus; Bjerkandera adusta; Hypholoma fasciculare; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Pholiota squarrosa; Geastrum triplex and a very old specimen of Calvatia gigantea.
 
23rd October 2013 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - A pop to the shops - Boletus edulis; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Lactarius turpis and Hypholoma fasciculare noted on the way.
 
22nd October 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Walking home in fine sun and contemplating all manner of things but I still managed to see some small fruiting bodies of Aleuria aurantiaca and a group of Tricholoma cingulatum.
 
22nd October 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - The lawn outside work was getting trampled today but Cordyceps militaris and Hygrocybe laeta was noted.
 
20th October 2013 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - Another loaded walk, a long day, the sun stayed out, the clouds opened ten minutes after finishing, we clocked up 117 species; these were:- Tricholoma cingulatum; Russula nobilis; Russula ochroleuca; Amanita rubescens; Lactarius blennius; Amanita muscaria; Laccaria laccata; Helvella crispa; Geastrum triplex; Rickenella fibula; Tricholoma imbricatum; Hypholma fasciculare; Leratiomyces ceres; Xylaria hypoxylon; Clitocybe fragrans; Mycena galopus var. nigra; Lactarius tabidus; Leccinum scabrum; Rhopographus filicinus; Mycena pura; Lactarius torminosus; Cortinarius hemitrichus; Piptoporus betulinus; Erysiphe alphitoides; Boletus edulis; Gymnopus dryophilus; Chondrostereum purpureum; Macrotyphula fistulosa; Auriscalpium vulgare; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Stereum hirsutum; Lycoperdon perlatum; Cystoderma amianthinum; Cordyceps militaris; Laccaria amethystea; Clitocybe nebularis; Lactarius turpis; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Scleroderma citrinum; Russula betularum; Lactarius glyciosmus; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Leptosphaeria acuta; Trametes versicolor; Melampsoridium betulinum; Nectria cinnabarina; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Paxillus involutus; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Polyporus leptocephalus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Humaria hemisphaerica; Rhytisma acerinum; Lepista flaccida; Phallus impudicus; Lepiota aspera; Collybia maculata; Otidea bufonia; Lyophyllum decastes; Lactarius pubescens; Tricholoma sulphureum; Russula fellea; Gymnopus confluens; Phragmidium violaceum; Lactarius hepaticus; Lactarius deterrimus; Cantharellus cibarius; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Clitopilus prunulus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Tricholoma fulvum; Puccinia arenariae; Pleurotus ostreatus; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Lepista sordida; Lepiota cristata; Agaricus xanthoderma; Heterobasidion annosum; Tricholoma scalpturatum; Clitocybe odora; Hygrocybe virginea; Octospora rutilans; Lycoperdon excipuliformis; Suillus luteus; Thelephora terrestris; Laccaria tortilis; Stereum sanguinolentum; Lycoperdon nigrescens; Calocera cornea; Gymnopilus penetrans; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Pucciniastrum epilobii; Postia subcaesia; Mycena epipterygia; Marasmius androsaceus; Suillus bovinus; Trochila ilicina; Schizopora paradoxa; Xylaria carpophila; Armillaria ostoyae; Psathyrella conopilus; Crepidotus cesatii; Bisporella sulfurina; Ascocoryne cylinchnium; Leccinum cyaneobasileucum; Clavulinopsis helvola; Stereum gausapatum; Inocybe sindonia; Hymenoscyphus fagineus; Melanoleuca melaleuca; Mycena sanguinolenta; Baeospora myosura; Hebeloma sinapizans; Collybia cirrhata and Crepidotus epibryus.
 
19th October 2013 - Harthill Cookery School, Cheshire - A wander with some potential culinary experts where a small forage was used to explain the role of fungi, how to identify a few species and how to pick responsibly After a cup of cha' back at the school the attendants were given a cookery masterclass and me and the missus (with a decent dude called Marcus) had a potter over some private land. Marcus pointed us the right way and left, me and my good lady cracked on. The day started slowly (especially where edibles are concerned) but ended with a flourish (especially where the fungal enthusiast is concerned). End result - 79 species, which were:- Hygrocybe reidii; Hygrocybe quieta; Hygrocybe calyptraeformis; Hygrocybe irrigata; Hygrocybe psittacina; Hygrocybe ceracea; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Hygrocybe insipida; Hygrocybe virginea; Hygrocybe pratensis; Tricholoma scalpturatum; Agaricus sylvaticus; Resupinatus trichotis; Melanotus horizontalis; Clavulinopsis helvola; Crepidotus cesatii; Russula nobilis; Dermoloma cuneifolium; Trochila ilicina; Rhopographus filicinus; Taphrina betulina; Cystoderma amianthinum; Puccinia vincae; Melampsora euphaorbiae; Pucciniastrum epilobii; Puccinia punctiformis; Pholiota gummosa; Melampsoridium betulinum; Puccinia arenariae; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Scleroderma citrinum; Phragmidium violaceum; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Rickenella fibula; Laccaria laccata; Paxillus involutus; Mycena galopus; Ganoderma australe; Mycena galericulata; Russula ochroleuca; Russula fellea; Trametes versicolor; Thelephora terrestris; Lepista flaccida; Coprinus comatus; Leptosphaeria acuta; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia auricular-judae; Nectria cinnabarina; Clitocybe nebularis; Hypholoma fasciculare; Puccinia lagenophorae; Puccinia distincta; Leccinum varicolor; Rhytisma acerinum; Stereum hirsutum; Erysiphe alphitoides; Erysiphe heraclei; Exidia glandulosa; Exidia nucleata; Lactarius glyciosmus; Amanita muscaria; Lactarius turpis; Dacrymyces stillatus; Chondrostereum purpureum; Flammulina velutipes; Bjerkandera adusta; Datronia mollis; Lactarius quietus; Psilocybe cyanescens; Schizophyllum commune; Stropharia aeruginosa; Pleurotus ostreatus; Armillaria mellea; Bolbitius titubans; Stropharia semiglobata; Phallus impudicus; Laetiporus sulphureus and Calocera pallido-spathulata.
 
18th October 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A chippy dinner, a few waxcaps on the works lawn, namely:- Hygrocybe vitellina; Hygrocybe pratensis and Hygrocybe virginea.
 
13th October 2013 - Moore NR, Cheshire - A test of how stubborn a fungal leader can be with very little obvious species about, the rain coming down for the first hour or so and a group of 22 people to try and entertain. Again the fungi were not playing ball and after a few hours the list was only at a lowly 25 species. We cracked on and a few of us stuck at it for a few extra hours, the result, a more than respectable 93 species, which were:- Auricularia-auricular-judae; Coleosporium tussilaginis; Hygrocybe pratensis; Claviceps purpurea; Pluteus cervinus; Laccaria laccata; Microbotryum violaceum; Lactarius glyciosmus; Rutstroemia firma; Rutstroemia luteovirescens; Paxillus involutus; Cystoderma amianthinum; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Hypholoma fasciculare; Panaeolina foenisecii; Hygrocybe virginea; Hygrocybe psittacina; Erysiphe alphitoides; Hyphodontia sambuci; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Peniophora incarnata; Tremella mesenterica; Lepista panaeolus; Postia subcaesia; Leptosphaeria acuta; Stereum hirsutum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Mycena galericulata; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Scleroderma verrucosum; Amanita muscaria; Merulius tremellosus; Piptoporus betulinus; Pleurotus ostreatus; Armillaria mellea; Rhytisma acerinum; Entoloma rhodopolium; Geastrum triplex; Flammulina velutipes; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Laetiporus sulphureus; Aleuria aurantia; Mycena arcangeliana; Ossicaulis lignatilis; Stropharia inuncta; Ganoderma australe; Lactarius turpis; Vuilleminia comedens; Scleroderma citrinum; Lactarius tabidus; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Russula ochroleuca; Mycena acicula; Dacrymyces stillatus; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Trochila ilicina; Melampsoridium betulinum; Exidia nucleata; Trametes gibbosa; Calocera cornea; Bjerkandera adusta; Melanotus horizontalis; Phragmidium violaceum; Puccinia epilobii; Daldinia fissa; Lycoperdon excipuliformis; Gloeophyllum sepiarium; Clitocybe fragrans; Melampsora euphorbiae; Lactarius torminosus; Coprinellus disseminatus; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma; Tubaria dispersa; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Rhopographus filicinus; Coprinus comatus; Armillaria ostoyae; Polyporus leptocephalus; Macrolepiota procera; Crepidotus variabilis; Crepidotus luteolus; Clavulinopsis helvola; Coprinus radians; Puccinia tanaceti; Hymenoscyphus herbarum; Clavaria acuta; Stropharia caerulea; Diatrypella quercina; Schizopora paradoxa; Xylaria longipes and the myxomycete Mucilago crustacea.
 
12th October 2013 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - Another full house, more dry conditions, the result after the walk and another hour on the heathland was 96 species, these being:- Daedaleopsis confragosa; Leratiomyces ceres; Hypholoma fasciculare; Coleosporium tussilaginis; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Leptosphaeria acuta; Piptoporus betulinus; Lactarius pubescens; Phragmidium violaceum; Rhopographus filicinus; Armillaria mellea; Microbotryum violaceum; Erysiphe alphitoides; Peniophora quercina; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Tricholoma fulvum; Trochila ilicina; Xylaria hypoxylon; Clitocybe nebularis; Trichaptum abietinum; Gymnopilus penetrans; Lepiota cristata; Heterobasidion annosum; Scleroderma citrinum; Skeletocutis amorpha; Pluteus cervinus; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Mycena galericulata; Datronia mollis; Phallus impudicus; Nectria cinnabarina; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Postia caesia; Gymnopus confluens; Russula ochroleuca; Rhytisma acerinum; Lactarius turpis; Xylaria longipes; Trametes gibbosa; Trichoderma viride; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma; Ganoderma australe; Vuillemina comedens; Erysiphe heraclei; Xylaria carpophila; Ischnoderma benzoinum; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Polyporus leptocephalus; Schizopora paradoxa; Stereum rameale; Mycena arcangeliana; Helvella crispa; Scleroderma verrucosum; Helvella lacunosa; Grifola frondosa; Exidia plana; Pholiota squarrosa; Amanita muscaria; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Meripilus giganteus; Laccaria laccata; Auriscalpium vulgare; Amanita rubescens; Boletus luridiformis; Boletus badius; Lactarius torminosus; Coprinus lagopides; Leccinum versipelle; Laccaria tortilis; Collybia cookei; Lactarius vietus; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Calocera cornea; Bjerkandera adusta; Laetiporus sulphureus; Fomes fomentarius; Amanita fulva; Lactarius quietus; Chondrostereum purpureum; Paxillus involutus; Armillaria ostoyae; Bisporella citrina; Puccinia arenariae; Crepidotus subverruciporus; Physisporinus sanguinolentus; Inonotus radiatus; Xylaria polymorpha; Inocybe phaeoleuca; Mycena viscosa; Pyronema domesticum; Hebeloma crustuliniforme; Hebeloma pusillum; Cortinarius uliginosus and the myxomycete Fuligo septica.
 
11th October 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Whilst showing a work colleague some nearby Amanita muscaria and Geastum triplex I stumbled across Puccinia distincta on the leaves of the common Daisy. Thanks again to Chris Yeates for literature which led to the naming of this species.
 
10th October 2013 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A walk on my todd to clear the noggin, take some photos and enjoy the weather. Fungi wise it was a disappointment to be honest despite the list of 72 species, just too dry and most specimens far from perfect. The list, compiled after much perseversance was:- Chroogomphus rutilus; Kretzschmaria deusta; Hyphodontia sambuci; Chondrostereum purpureum; Trochila ilicina; Russula nigricans; Pluteus cervinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Phragmidium violaceum; Laccaria amethystea; Rhopographus filicinus; Amanita muscaria; Calocera cornea; Coprinellus micaceus; Clitocybe fragrans; Dacrymyces stillatus; Auricularia auricular-judae; Grifola frondosa; Peniophora quercina; Russula atropurpurea; Armillaria ostoyae; Lactarius quietus; Scleroderma citrinum; Mycena pura; Boletus luridiformis; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Nectria coccinea; Mycena arcangeliana; Libertella faginea; Trichaptum abietinum; Russula caerulea; Bolbitius titubans; Macrolepiota procera; Piptoporus betulinus; Phaeolus schweinitzii; Xylaria longipes; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma; Rhytisma acerinum; Abortiporus biennis; Laetiporus sulphureus; Cystoderma amianthinum; Collybia confluens; Amanita rubescens; Russula ochroleuca; Coprinellus impatiens; Claviceps purpurea; Meripilus giganteus; Schizophyllum commune; Trametes versicolor; Daldinia concentrica; Xylaria hypoxylon; Armillaria mellea; Hypholoma fasciculare; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Oudemansiella mucida; Leptosphaeria acuta; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Bjerkandera adusta; Psilocybe semilanceata; Eutypa spinosa; Boletus badius; Trametes gibbosa; Pleurotus ostreatus; Mycena galericulata; Rickenella fibula; Gymnopilus junonius; Ganoderma australe; Stereum hirsutum; Psathyrella hydrophila; Schizopora paradoxa; Rhodocollybia butyracea and the myxo Stemonitopsis typhina.
 
9th October 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Stropharia aeruginosa was confirmed by microscopy after finding a troop of 3 fruiting bodies.
8th October 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A large troop of Tricholoma ustaloides was noted near Oak and a small clump of Lyophyllum decastes were observed.
7th October 2013 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - Agaricus bitorquis noted growing at the side of the road and a clump of Pholiota squarrosa seen in the local park.
 

6th October 2013 - Formby NT, Lancashire - Another walk sold out - 100% so far this year - 26 people set off and with a quick mooch afterwards 67 species were found, these being:- Geastrum sessile; Russula sanguinea; Inocybe geophylla; Lactarius tabidus; Mycena galericulata; Heterobasidion annosum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Armillaria gallica; Paxillus involutus; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Auricularia auricular-judae; Pluteus cervinus; Piptoporus betulinus; Crepidotus mollis; Chondrostereum purpureum; Xylaria longipes; Lepista flaccida; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Exidia nucleata; Inocybe griseolilacina; Russula ochroleuca; Trametes versicolor; Leratiomyces ceres; Nectria cinnabarina; Xylaria hypoxylon; Rhytisma acerinum; Mycena galopus; Armillaria mellea; Bjerkandera adusta; Phragmidium violaceum; Calocybe ionides; Chroogomphus rutilus; Tricholoma terreum; Dacrymyces stillatus; Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina; Trichaptum abietinum; Auriscalpium vulgare; Gymnopilus penetrans; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Pucciniastrum epilobii; Lycoperdon perlatum; Suillus bovinus; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Crucibulum laeve; Otidia bufonia; Coprinellus micaceus; Lepiota cristata; Amanita vaginata; Agrocybe erebia; Trichoderma viride; Lactarius deterrimus; Calyptella capula; Leptosphaeria acuta; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Amanita muscaria; Clitocybe fragrans; Erysiphe alphitoides; Postia subcaesia; Callorina neglecta; Bisporella sulfurina; Geoglossum cookieanum; Russula sardonia var. mellina; Inocybe margaritispora; Lactarius pubescens; Hebeloma mesophaeum; Marasmius oreades and Tapinella panuoides.

Russula sardonia var. mellina - I knew there wasn't something quite right about this Russula species my fine lady brought to me. An immediately red hot taste, the stem reactions to Ferrous Sulphate (quickly orange pink), to Guaiac (slowly blue) and most importantly to Ammonia on the gills (fuschia pink) all pointed towards an odd specimen. Eventually Kibby's key nailed the fungus and what a nice find it seems to be. Normally Russula sardonia has a deep purple cap, yellowish gills and a robust stem with a distinct purplish flush - talk about confusing.

 
5th October 2013 - River Mersey to Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - A day of tidying and reviewing CD's but a circular walk was squeezed in with a few species noted, namely:- Amanita muscaria; Clitocybe odora; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Armillaria mellea; Hypholoma fasciculare; Meripilus giganteus; Rickebnella fibula; Rickenella swartzii; Crepidotus mollis; Xylaria hypoxylon; Auricularia auricular-judae; Agaricus sylvaticus; Trametes gibbosa and Pluteus cervinus.
 
3rd October 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A large troop of Tricholoma scalpturatum were noted on the way home in the drizzling rain. It be never too wet to look for fungi.
 
3rd October 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A dinner time walk around the urban streets - Amanita muscaria; Lactarius turpis; Geastrum triplex and Marsmiellus rotula all observed.
 
29th September 2013 - Arley Hall, Cheshire - 2 walks today, 54 members of the public and some warm weather to boot all sounded good but with dry conditions and the grassy areas recently mown I was right up against the fungal wall yet again. The target 50 species throughout the day, the result was 55, phew now that was a close call. The final list was:- Rickenella fibula; Microsphaera alphitoides; Amanita muscaria; Paxillus involutus; Rhytisma acerinum; Bjerkandera adusta; Chlorophyllum rhacodes; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Hypholoma fasciculare; Laetiporus sulphureus; Lactarius turpis; Mycena galericulata; Clitocybe odora; Xylaria hypoxylon; Fistulina hepatica; Mycena arcangeliana; Nectria cinnabarina; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Auricularia auricular-judae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Phallus impudicus; Scleroderma citrinum; Laccaria laccata; Peniophora quercina; Trametes versicolor; Hygrocybe psittacina; Clitopilus prunulus; Lycoperdon nigrescens; Lycoperdon perlatum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Leccinum scabrum; Hygrocybe irrigata; Gymnopilus junonius; Piptoporus betulinus; Lactarius tabidus; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma; Xylaria longipes; Erysiphe heraclei; Phlebia radiata; Coprinus comatus; Taphrina betulina; Russula ochroleuca; Leptosphaeria acuta; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Exidia nucleata; Lepiota cristata; Russula amoenolens; Stereum hirsutum; Trichoderma viride; Trochila ilicina; Aleuria aurantia; Clavaria acuta; Clavulinopsis helvola and Melanophyllum haematospermum.
 
28th September 2013 - Coombes Valley RSPB, Staffordshire - 25 punters plus me, my wife and 4 RSPB bods set off in pursuit of many fungal fruits. The list compiled, considering a chunk of the reserve was out of bounds due to a fallen tree, was a solid 86 species, which were:- Hypoxylon fragiforme; Cudoniella acicularis; Boletus pruinatus; Nectria cinnabarina; Laccaria amethystea; Fistulina hepatica; Dacrymyces stillatus; Grifola frondosa; Russula atropurpurea; Phlebia radiata; Clavulina rugosa; Xylaria longipes; Clavulina cinerea; Lactarius tabidus; Clitopilus prunulus; Coprinus comatus; Leotia lubrica; Oudemansiella mucida; Russula nigricans; Lactarius subdulcis; Amanita spissa; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Mycena acicula; Amanita rubescens; Amanita fulva; Auricularia auricular-judae; Merulius tremellosus; Pleurotus ostreatus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Coprinopsis micaceus; Scleroderma citrinum; Rickenella fibula; Stropharia melanosperma; Paxillus involutus; Lactarius glyciosmus; Laccaria laccata; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Leptosphaera acuta; Puccinia lagenophorae; Coleosporium tussilaginis; Melampsoridium betulinum; Rhytisma acerinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Mycena galericulata; Amanita muscaria; Lactarius pyrogalus; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trametes versicolor; Trocila ilicina; Rhopographus filicinus; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Claviceps purpurea; Daldinia concentrica; Pholiota squarrosa; Pluteus umbrosus; Erysiphe heraclei; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Otidea bufonia; Piptoporus betulinus; Leccinum scabrum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Microsphaera alphitoides; Russula ochroleuca; Laetiporus sulphureus; Postia subcaesia; Pluteus cervinus; Gymnopus confluens; Polyporus leptocephalus; Xylaria carpophila; Mycena arcangeliana; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Vuilleminia comedens; Peniophora quercina; Mycena pura; Amanita vaginata; Crepidotus luteolus; Crepidotus cesatii; Xylaria polymorpha; Stropharia aeruginosa; Pluteus romelli; Pluteus salicinus; Eupropolella arundinariae; Hymenoscyphus herbarum; Lactarius blennius; Tricholoma scioides; Cantharellus cibarius and Exidia plana.
 
22nd September 2013 - Formby NT, Lancashire - 20+ people and 3 hours mooching produced a half century of species but after a little extra work (well quite a bit of hard scrutinising really) the list grew to 71 species, which were:- Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Leptosphaera acuta; Nectria cinnabarina; Rhytisma acerinum; Exidia nucleata; Mycena leptocephala; Leratiomyces ceres; Xylaria longipes; Xylaria hypoxylon; Lactarius tabidus; Crepidotus mollis; Pluteus cervinus; Piptoporus betulinus; Paxillus involutus; Bjerkandera adusta; Mycena adscendens; Pluteus romellii; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Heterobasidion annosum; Rickenella fibula; Inocybe geophylla var. lilacina; Inocybe geophylla; Trichoderma viride; Mycena galopus; Amanita citrina; Lepiota cristata; Psathyrella candolleana; Gymnopus confluens; Gymnopilus penetrans; Geastrum sessile; Trochila ilicina; Chroogomphus rutilus; Auriscalpium vulgare; Bovista plumbea; Russula caerula; Gymnopus peronatus; Otidia bufonia; Tubaria furfuracea; Schizopora paradoxa; Pucciniastrum epilobii; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Geastrum triplex; Trichaptum abietinum; Coprinus comatus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Russula vesca; Polyporus squamosus; Polyporus leptocephalus; Marasmius oreades; Cyathus striatus; Crepidotus cesatii; Coprinus ammophilae; Mycena haematopus; Phragmidium violaceum; Bisporella sulfurina; Marasmius epiphyllus; Coleosporium tussilaginis; Russula ochroleuca; Russula sanguinea; Inocybe muricellata; Inocybe mixtilis; Inocybe dunensis; Lepiota erminea; Hygrocybe conicoides; Hebeloma mesophaeum; Galerina vittiformis; Panaeolina foenisecii; Inocybe flocculosa; Psathyrella ammophila; Melanoleuca cinereifolia and Trametes versicolor.
 
21st September 2013 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - 2 * 2 hour walks with 21 people in tow produced a list (after much fiddling about) of 77 species, these were:- Stereum hirsutum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Dacrymyces stillatus; Trochila ilicina; Xylaria hypoxylon; Ganoderma australe; Leptosphaeria acuta; Rhytisma acerinum; Callorina neglecta; Laetiporus sulphureus; Laccaria laccata; Bjerkandera adusta; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Peniophora quercina; Rickenella fibula; Trichomolopsis rutilans; Pleurotus ostreatus; Datronia mollis; Hypoxylon multiforme; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Trichoderma viride; Hypocrea rufa; Stereum rameale; Collybia confluens; Piptoporus betulinus; Aleuria aurantia; Trametes versicolor; Schizopora paradoxa; Auricularia auricular-judae; Hyphodontia sambuci; Nectria cinnabarina; Tricholoma fulvum; Paxillus involutus; Lactarius glyciosmus; Xylaria longipes; Chondrostereum purpureum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Scleroderma citrinum; Puccinia menthae; Mycena galericulata; Calocera viscosa; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Boletus pulverulentus; Erysiphe heraclei; Microsphaera alphitoides; Russula ochroleuca; Leccinum scabrum; Vuillemina comedens; Pluteus cervinus; Otidea alutacea; Stropharia aurantiaca; Humaria hemisphaerica; Rhopographus filicinus; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Pluteus salicinus; Phallus impudicus; Polyporus badius; Mycena acicula; Scutellinia scutellata; Exidia nucleata; Calyptella capula; Echinoderma asperum; Tubaria furfuracea; Cudoniella acicularis; Lactarius turpis; Pucciniastrum epilobii; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Crepidotus cesatii; Bisporella citrina; Panellus stipticus; Ascocoryne sarcoides; Diatrypella quercina; Bisporella sulfurina; Agrocybe erebia and the slime molds Lycogala epidendrum and Fuligo septica.
 

18th September 2013 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - A leisurely walk with a few carers from work, the result 72 species seen, which were:- Russula atropurpurea; Mycena galericulata; Trametes pubescens; Coleosporium tussilaginis; Puccinia annularis; Lactarius pubescens; Tricholoma fulvum; Lactarius pyrogalus; Amanita rubescens; Pholiota squarrosa; Collybia dryophila; Amanita muscaria; Geastrum triplex; Coprinellus disseminatus; Clavulina cristata; Leccinum scabrum; Ganoderma australe; Leptosphaeria acuta; Rhytisma acerinum; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia auricular-judae; Oxyporus populinus; Leotia lubrica; Bjerkandera adusta; Polyporus squamosus; Lactarius blennius; Marasmiellus rameale; Scleroderma verrucosum; Laccaria amethystea; Exidia nucleata; Russula nobilis; Russula nigricans; Piptoporus betulinus; Hypocrea pulvinata; Mycena galopus; Mycena rorida; Trametes versicolor; Russula ochroleuca; Hymenoscyphus fructigenus; Lactarius quietus; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Rutstroemia firma; Vuillemina comedens; Rhopographus filicinus; Peniophora quercina; Tremella mesenterica; Scleroderma citrinum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Erysiphe heraclei; Postia caesia; Lactarius turpis; Marasmius androsaceus; Trichaptum abietinum; Skeletocutis amorpha; Dacrymyces stillatus; Microsphaera alphitoides; Trametes gibbosa; Stereum hirsutum; Xylaria longipes; Xylaria hypoxylon; Trochila ilicina; Rickenella fibula; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Clavulina rugosa; Tricholoma columbetta; Clitopilus prunulus; Crepidotus cesatii; Parasola leiocephala; Otidea alutacea; Inocybe cookei and Claviceps purpurea.

Thanks to work colleague Nicky for carrying the fungal box and keeping all and sundry nattering and to all the carers who turned up and helped make for a nice relaxing wander.

 
17th September 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A cluster of Claviceps purpurea were noted on the head of a grass species and what I believe to be Zoophthora forficulae was seen erupting from the body of a Common Earwig.

14th September 2013 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A joint walk for Friends of the Earth and Fungal Friends with 14 of us looking which resulted in 90 species recorded. The list was:- Hypholoma fasciculare; Scleroderma citrinum; Calocera cornea; Stereum hirsutum; Trochila ilicina; Auricularia auricular-judae; Rhytisma acerinum; Erysiphe alphitoides; Fistulina hepatica; Gymnopilus junonius; Trametes gibbosa; Ganoderma australe; Postia subcaesia; Meripilus giganteus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Mycena galericulata; Stereum gausapatum; Trametes versicolor; Trichoderma viride; Mycoacia uda; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Eutypa spinosa; Psathyrella hydrophila; Stropharia semiglobata; Collybia dryophila; Leptosphaeria acuta; Russula atropurpurea; Laccaria laccata; Peniophora quercina; Mycena galopus; Boletus pulverulentus; Nectria cinnabarina; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Mycena inclinata; Russula ochroleuca; Cudoniella acicularis; Tubaria furfuracea; Paxillus involutus; Hymenoscyphus fructigenus; Scleroderma verrucosum; Cordyceps militaris; Polyporus badius; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Marasmiellus ramealis; Helvella crispa; Pluteus cervinus; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Tremella aurantia; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Schizophyllum commune; Pleurotus ostreatus; Mycena adscendens; Melanotus horizontalis; Nectria coccinea; Schizopora paradoxa; Russula nigricans; Amanita rubescens; Hygrocybe nigrescens; Abortiporus biennis; Xylaria longipes; Macrolepiota procera; Piptoporus betulinus; Phaeolus schweinitzii; Gymnopus peronatus; Bolbitius titubans; Trichaptum abietinum; Libertella faginea; Exidia plana; Xerula radicata; Lactarius blennius; Boletus badius; Coprinellus impatiens; Lactarius quietus; Exidia truncata; Russula parazurea; Rickenella fibula; Calocera viscosa; Boletus edulis; Laetiporus sulphureus; Puccinia menthae; Crepidotus cesatii; Rubinoboletus rubinus; Lanzia echinophila; Diatrype disciformis; Agaricus silvaticus; Parasola leiocephalus; Coprinellus disseminatus and the myxos Reticularia lycoperdon and Fuligo septica.

Find of the day - Rubinoboletus rubinus - red pore surface, golden yellow flesh in the base of the stem, size, growing with Oak and large spores all make up for a fine sighting

 
12th September 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A dinner time wander with 10 species seen:- Armillaria mellea; Bjerkandera adusta; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Puccinia poarum; Exidia nucleata; Rhytimsa acerinum; Auricularia auricula-judae; Nectria cinnabarina; Erysiphe sordida and Meripilus giganteus.
 

8th September 2013 - Fletcher Moss, G. Manchester - Not much about but after consultation on a forum and much scrutinising of various resources Sphaerobolus stellatus was confirmed from the dead steams of Meadowsweet. Thanks to Mike from the Wild About Britain forum for the identification. Apparently this fungus is also known as Cannon Fungus; Sphere Thrower; Artillery Fungus and Shotgun Fungus which gives hint at its spore dispersal method. The bright orange miniscule structure splits open into a nest shape that has 5 to 9 outer rays. Within is a peridiole which is where the spores are found and it is this container that will be propelled through the air so as to disperse the inner spores. A membrane below the peridiole inflates its cells with much haste and no sooner as the fungal fruit body appeared then 'wham', it opens and fires its spores quite a respectable distance. In fact they can travel up to 18 feet distance and 14 feet in height - not bad for a fungus approximately an eight of an inch across. Boy this fungal world never fails to surprise me!

 
7th September 2013 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire - Conditions were against us, a long dry spell and apparently a day of dreadful rain look set to make this walk a struggle. Wrong! A nice steady supply of fungal talking points resulting in a haul of 84 species for the 21 of us that set off on a good old mooch. The list was:- Trochila ilicina; Auricularia auricular-judae; Rhytisma acerinum; Microsphaera alphitoides; Hyphodontia sambuci; Phallus impudicus; Gymnopus peronatus; Scleroderma citrinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Hypholoma fasciculare; Dacrymyces stillatus; Calocera cornea; Russula ochroleuca; Hypomyces chrysospermus; Hapalopilus nidulans; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Crucibulum laeve; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Rhopographus filicinus; Lactarius tabidus; Calocera viscosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Stereum hirsutum; Leccinum cyaneobasileucum; Amanita fulva; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Fistulina hepatica; Trichoderma viride; Amanita rubescens; Lactarius quietus; Russula sororia; Gymnopus confluens; Boletus luridiformis; Russula nigricans; Tylopilus felleus; Lactarius blennius; Geastrum triplex; Russula nobilis; Trametes versicolor; Piptoporus betulinus; Hypocrea pulvinata; Russula betularum; Coprinellus micaceus; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Boletus badius; Polyporus leptocephalus; Paxillus involutus; Amanita muscaria; Collybia maculata; Leccinum versipelle; Laccaria laccata; Heterobasidion annosum; Hypoxylon multiforme; Mycena galericulata; Amanita citrina; Rickenella fibula; Xerocomus cisalpinus; Lactarius turpis; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Meripilus giganteus; Amanita excelsa; Ganoderma australe; Xerula radicata; Pluteus cervinus; Laetiporus sulphureus; Marasmius androsaceus; Postia caesia; Erysiphe heraclei; Puccinia punctiformis; Taphrina alni; Leptosphaeria acuta; Dasyscyphus sulphureus; Crepidotus variabilis; Crepidotus cesatii; Agaricus bitorquis; Parasola leiocephala; Russula vesca; Skeletocutis nivea; Lepiota aspera; Russula cyanoxantha; Pucciniastrum epilobii; Gymnopilus penetrans; Leucocoprinus brebissonii and the myxo Fuligo septica.
 
2nd September 2013 - Parrs Wood, Stockport, G. Manchester - Conditions were too dry to find anything in serious amounts but a few micro's and mildews were clocked up, Puccinia lagenophorae on Groundsel; Coleosporium tussilaginis on Colt's Foot leaves; Microsphaera alphitoides on Oak leaves, Erysiphe heraclei on Hogweed and Puccinia menthae on the leaves of various Mints. Cyathus striatus was also noted with several nests containing eggs. Meripilus giganteus was on an old Beech stump and Trametes gibbosa was on a presumed Horse Chestnut stump. We do need some rain though! Agaricus xanthodermus was found in many forms with some severely cracked caps and some silky smooth - the warning - always be aware of variability.
 
1st September 2013 - Lyme Park, Cheshire - Our daughter had Karate training so we used the 3 hours to mooch for mushies. 42 species was the result after a bit of microscopy and much muddling of the mind, these being:- Leptospaeria acuta; Calocera viscosa; Gloeophyllum sepiarium; Rhytisma acerinum; Lactarius quietus; Fistulina hepatica; Laetiporus sulphureus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Microsphaera alphitoides; Gymnopus confluens; Chondrostereum purpureum; Boletus cisalpinus; Auricularia auricula-judae; Suillus grevillei; Laccaria laccata; Amanita rubescens; Rhopographus filicinus; Russula amoenolens; Trametes gibbosa; Meripilus giganteus; Stereum hirsutum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Trametes versicolor; Paxillus involutus; Oxyporus populinus; Calocera pallido-spathulata; Xerula radicata; Cliopilus prunulus; Pluteus cervinus; Lactarius deliciosus; Hygrocybe psittacina; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Russula nigricans; Polyporus badius; Volvariella speciosa; Amanita excelsa; Coprobia granulata; Acrospermum compressum; Russula foetens; Russula atropurpurea and the myxo Fuligo septica.
 
29th August 2013 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A wander with the Young Carers and a small list drawn up. 25 species in total which were:- Phaeolus schweinitzii; Psathyrella candolleana; Laccaria laccata; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Stereum hirsutum; Meripilus giganteus; Ganoderma australe; Calocera cornea; Pluteus cervinus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Boletus luridiformis; Russula amoenolens; Trametes versicolor; Russula atropurpurea; Amanita rubescens; Piptoporus betulinus; Russula nigricans; Datronia mollis; Boletus radicans; Phallus impudicus (egg stage); Fistulina hepatica; Coprinellus micaceus; Pleurotus ostreatus; Polyporus squamosus; Catinella olivacea and Bjerkandera adusta.
 
26th August 2013 - Rufus Stone, New Forest, Hampshire - The fourth visit at least to this charming spot and a late evening jaunt this time around with no-one around to disturb the walk. The list of fungal specimens was far from spectacular but with my wife's wonderful peepers we managed a few. Piptoporus betulinus; Ganoderma australe; Pluteus cervinus; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes gibbosa; Polyporus leptocephalus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Scleroderma citrinum; Boletus parasitica; Lactarius tabidus; Inonotus cuticularis; Collybia fusipes; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Trochila ilicina; Lactarius chrysoreus; Pleurotus ostreatus; Crepidotus applanatus; Russula virescens; and Megacollybia platyphila gave plenty to ponder.
 
26th August 2013 - Reptile Centre, New Forest, Hampshire - Amanita rubescens; Russula virescens; Amanita muscaria and Collybia fusipes were noted whilst seeking out Orthopteran delights.
 
25th August 2013 - Holmsley, New Forest, Hampshire - Russula betularum and Russula virescens were the only finds on a brief visit.
 
25th August 2013 - Common Marsh, Hampshire - Puccinia circaeae on the leaves of Enchanter's Nightshade and Puccinia glechomatis on the leaves of Ground Ivy were 2 decent finds.
 
25th August 2013 - Leckford, Hampshire - A wander with the Hampshire Fungus Group who whizzed around collecting and bagging many things of which we mostly missed out on. We did see a few good species though with Ganoderma carnosum; Amanita phalloides; Mycoacia uda; Coprinellus disseminatus; Botryobasidium aureum; Lactarius omphaliiformis; Conocybe apala; Crepidotus applanatus; Physisporinus sanguinolentus; Leotia lubrica; Inonotus hispidus; Puccinia circaeae; Steccherinum fimbriatum; Echinoderma asperum; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda and Chlorocibaria aeruginascens making for an interesting day out.
 
24th August 2013 - Denny Wood, New Forest, Hampshire - Gymnopus dryophilus; Meripilus giganteus; Laetiporus sulphureus; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Ganoderma resinaceum; Lactarius quietus; Russula ochroleuca; Amanita fulva; Scleroderma citrinum; Podoscypha multizonata and Xerocomus rubellus were spotted whilst looking for insects.
 
23rd August 2013 - Minstead, Hampshire - Panaeolus semiovatus and a young Fistulina hepatica were noted on a late evening walk.
 
23rd August 2013 - Stoney Cross, Hampshire - Boletus luridiformis growing in a darkened hedgerow was the only find.
 
20th August 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A nip out for dinner in the lunch hour and a stroll to a nearby church that looked promising for fungi. Boletus luridiformis; Russula amoenolens; Rickenella fibula; Agaricus xanthoderma; Amanita excelsa and Amanita rubescens were identified and enjoyed. The season is here - I am not ready - help!
 
17th August 2013 - Pennington Flash, Lancashire - 24 species noted whilst having a quiet wander looking at a few birds:- Agaricus bisporus; Mycena adscendens; Scleroderma verrucosum; Paxillus involutus; Mycena acicula; Inocybe geophylla; Leptosphaeria acuta; Coleosporium tussilaginis; Nectria cinnabarina; Byssomerulius corium; Rhytisma acerinum; Psathyrella candolleana; Scleroderma citrinum; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Clavulina cristata; Marasmius rameale; Exidia thuretiana; Laccaria tortilis; Microsphaera alphitoides; Erysiphe heraclei; Postia subcaesia; Crepidotus cesatii; Russula amoenolens and Dasyscyphus sulphureus.
 
17th August 2013 - Abney Hall, Cheshire - Agaricus xanthoderma; Laetiporus sulphureus; Crepidotus mollis and Meripilus giganteus were all fresh and doing their rotting business.
 
14th August 2013 - Edgeley, Stockport, Cheshire - Agaricus arvensis noted on a small bit of grass in a built up area.
 
13th August 2013 - Little Budworth CP, Cheshire - A mooch for reptiles but Fistulina hepatica was noted on an old Oak stump.
 
13th August 2013 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire - Trichaptum abietinum; Scleroderma citrinum; Heterobasidion annosum; Bjerkandera adusta; Phallus impudicus; Russula atropurpurea; Russula emetica; Boletus luridiformis; Piptoporus betulinus and Hypocrea pulvinata were the odd specimens to mull over on a day that should have given more.
 
11th August 2013 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - Marasmius rameale and Marasmius rotula noted after some jogging.
 
6th August 2013 - Ashley Wood DWT, Dorset - Collybia dryophila; Marasmius rotula; Collybia fusipes; Daldinia concentrica and Polyporus squamosus all noted on our first visit to this tucked away site.
 
28th July 2013 - Oaken Wood, Surrey - Claviceps purpurea noted on grass. 3 wonderful specimens of Ganoderma resinaceum were noted a few miles away but where the hell they where is now anyone's guess?
 
28th July 2013 - Thursley Common, Surrey - A day looking for dragonflies with Amanita fulva; Reticularia lycoperdon and Fuligo septica noted along the way.
 
26th July 2013 - Ryton Woods, Warwickshire - Collybia fusipes was seen in 2 clumps whilst looking for butterflies.
 
11th July 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - 2 specimens of Paxillus involutus were seen on the way home from work.
 
4th July 2013 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Bolbitius titubans on woodchip, Microsphaera alphitoides on Oak leaves, Panaeolina foenisecii on a damp lawn and Sphaerotheca alchemillae on Wood Avens leaves.
 
30th June 2013 - Prees Heath, Shropshire - The first Marasmius oreades ring of the year and nowt else.
 
24th July 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Gymnosporangium clavariforme on Hawthorn leaves. Spore size and peridial cell structure sealed the deal.
 
16th June 2013 - Didsbury, G. Manchester - Puccinia pulverulenta on Willowherb leaves and Puccinia urticata on Nettle were the only fungal observations today.
 
12th June 2013 - Cale Green Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Puccinia vincae and Laetiporus sulphureus were the only fungi noted.
 
8th June 2013 - Anderton NR, Cheshire - Besides the same species as in the most recent list Uromyces geranii was all that was seen.
 
5th June 2013 - Anderton NR/Marbury CP, Cheshire - A few micro species:- Puccinia urticata; Melampsora populnea; Puccinia poarum; Triphragmium ulmariae and Puccinia punctiformis.
 
1st June 2013 - Middlewood Way, Stockport, Cheshire - Synchytrium taraxaci on the leaves of Dandelion was noted.
 
26th May 2013 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - 3 of us set off for a few of the more obscure fungi (rusts mainly) and came up with a couple of more regular species too. The list of 18 was:- Coprinellus micaceus; Trametes pubescens; Daldinia concentrica; Fomes fomentarius; Bauhinus marginalis; Psathyrella candolleana; Uromyces ficariae; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Uromyces muscari; Puccinia violae; Pycnostysanus azaleae; Triphragmium ulmariae; Puccinia sessilis; Puccinia urticata; Puccinia aegopodii; Trachyspora intrusa; Entoloma conferendum and Phragmidium violaceum.
 
25th May 2013 - Chee Dale/Millers Dale, Derbyshire - Agrocybe rivulosa; Volvariella speciosa; Coprinopsis lagopus; Microbotryum silenes-dioicae; Melampsora populnea; Trachyspora intrusa and Bolbitius vitellinus were seen on a good day in the sun.
 
24th May 2013 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Agrocybe praecox on woodchip was at the roadside on a rare sunny day.
 
22nd May 2013 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - Psathyrella candolleana on woodchip was the only noteworthy fungus.
 
13th May 2013 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - Polyporus squamosus; Kretzschmaria deusta and Puccinia tumida were spotted whilst looking for six-legged beasts. Plasmopara nivea was later identified after being seen on Ground Elder leaves.
 
12th May 2013 - Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - Almost 6 weeks later than normal Calocybe gambosa was just pushing itself through the substrate. A cluster of Coprinopsis atramentaria was also noted. Puccinia pulverulenta was later identified after much faffing about - I should have known better.
 
11th May 2013 - Chadkirk Chapel, Stockport, Cheshire - Puccinia aegopodii was noted on Ground Elder leaves and Peronospora parasitica was on several Garlic Mustard leaves.
 
6th May 2013 - Freshfield Heath, Lancashire - Burnt Gorse equals Daldinia fissa - it goes without saying. Also in residence were Peniophora incarnata and Trametes versicolor.
 
6th May 2013 - Ainsdale NE, Lancashire - A single specimen of Verpa conica, a small patch of Puccinia urticata and 2 gatherings of Reticularia lycoperdon was all that was seen on this very warm and dry day. Scutellinia scutellata was confirmed later.
 
25th April 2013 - Etherow CP, Stockport, Cheshire - Bauhinus marginalis was back on its usual host after not being seen for a few years.
 
24th April 2013 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - A dust bowl it be and not much about although Reticularia lycoperdon was nice to catch up with again.
 
17th April 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A clump of Coprinopsis atramentaria came through unnoticed due to the recent showers - they certainly don't waste time these fungal growths.
 
24th March 2013 - Wright's Wood, Cheadle, Stockport, Cheshire - Nooks and crannies are good to explore and here is one virtually on our doorstep. A brief look and a few fungi to record. The list of 10 may be made up of distinctly common species but they all need attention because one day they may not hold such a status:- Trametes gibbosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Callorina neglecta; Leptosphaeria acuta; Rhythisma acerinum; Flammulina velutipes; Peniophora lycii; Nectria cinnabarina; Trichaptum abietinum and Polyporus leptocephalus.
 
18th March 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Cumminsiella mirabilissima on the leaves of Mahonia was seen for the first time this year.
 
18th March 2013 - River Mersey, Cheshire - Uromyces dactylidis seen on Lesser Celandine leaves.
 
9th March 2013 - Etherow CP, Stockport, Cheshire - Trametes pubescens was in its usual spot, Xylaria carpophila was plentiful beneath leaf litter and Pycnostysanus azaleae was quite frequent. After much microscopy, squinting and re-reading text Lophodermium seditosum was nailed on Pine leaves.
 
5th March 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Melampsora euphorbiae on a species of Spurge outside my place of work.
 
2nd March 2013 - Thurstaston Common, Cheshire - More birding but a few fungi were noted here:- Tremella mesenterica; Peniophora incarnata and Byssomerulius corium all on Gorse. Piptoporus betulius was on its usual host.
 
24th February 2013 - Moore NR, Cheshire - Phellinus igniarius on Willow was the only notable find.
 
23rd February 2013 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - Nowt much about - old Bjerkandera fumosa and a few specimens of Fomes fomentarius was all that caught the eye.
 
22nd February 2013 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A couple of teeny weeny fungi today on an Ash key, namely Phoma samararum and Phomopsis pterophila.
 
20th February 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A wander in the dinner hour, 15 species in an area that may have much potential, these were:- Callorina neglecta; Sarcoscypha austriaca; Xylaria hypoxylon; Uromyces muscari; Leptosphaeria acuta; Auricularia-auricula judae; Bjerkandera adusta; Flammulina velutipes; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Trametes versicolor; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Datronia mollis; Pyrenopeziza petiolaris; Gnomonia cerastis and Rhytisma acerinum.
 
17th February 2013 - Didsbury, Stockport, Cheshire - Gymnopilus penetrans and Exidia glandulosa were all that was of any note for a specific site. Peziza repanda was later identified after taking a couple of specimens from the compost in some newly filled plant pots.
 
14th February 2013 - Leighton Moss, Lancashire - 317 cups of Sarcoscypha austriaca was a modest count and Exidia recisa was noted in several places on Willow.
 
14th February 2013 - Heysham NR, Lancashire - More birding but a few common fungi were noted, the 12 species listed were:- Flammulina velutipes; Leptosphaeria acuta; Auricularia-auricula judae; Callorina neglecta; Byssomerulius corium; Heterobasidion annosum; Dacrymyces stillatus; Rhopographus filicinus; Calyptella capula; Gloniopsis praelonga, Crepidotus cesatii and Tremella mesenterica.
 
11th February 2013 - Brockholes LWT, Lancashire - More birding with a few common fungi noted, 14 in fact, which were:- Xylaria hypoxylon; Leptosphaeria acuta; Auricularia-auricula judae; Callorina neglecta; Bjerkandera adusta; Peniophora lycii; Hyphodontia sambuci; Daldinia concentrica; Byssomerulius corium; Chondrostereum purpureum; Stereum hirsutum; Flammulina velutipes; Exidia glandulosa and Trametes versicolor.
 
2nd February 2013 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - A birding trip but still picked up 5 fruiting bodies of Auriscalpium vulgare. Also noted was Pycnostysanus azaleae on its usual host, hence the English name Rhododendron Bud Blast.
 
2nd February 2013 - Longton Brickcroft NR, Lancashire - A walk around this tucked away area only produced 12 fungal specimens, these were:- Xylaria hypoxylon; Leptosphaeria acuta; Vuilleminia comedens; Auricularia-auricula judae; Callorina neglecta; Trochila ilicina; Bjerkandera adusta; Taphrina betulina; Peniophora quercina; Hyphodontia sambuci; Daldinia concentrica and Trametes versicolor.
 
20th January 2013 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - Gloeophyllum sepiarum continues to destroy its chosen host - a park bench and table.
 
13th January 2013 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A group meet up (well 8 of us anyway) and a nice wander in what was a frosty day that was quite usual for this time of year. With good company, a warm brew of enthusiasm a list of 45 species was had, these were:- Polyporus brumalis; Stereum hirsutum; Calyptella capula; Vuilleminia comedens; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Datronia mollis; Xylaria hypoxylon; Leptosphaeria acuta; Mollisia cinerea; Rhodocollybia butyracea; Schizopora paradoxa; Tubaria furfuracea; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma; Auricularia-auricula judae; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Trametes gibbosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Melanotus horizontalis; Trametes versicolor; Kretzschmaria deusta; Exidia nucleata; Lycoperdon perlatum; Lycoperdon excipuliformis; Pleurotus ostreatus; Mycena inclinata; Peniophore quercina; Exidia glandulosa; Exidia truncata; Piptoporus betulinus; Biscogniauxia nummularia; Schizophyllum commune; Diatrype disciformis; Nectria coccinea; Xylaria carpophila; Hymenoscyphus fructigenus; Nectria cinnabarina; Libertella faginea; Byssomerulius corium; Bulgaria inquinans; Meripilus giganteus; Crepidotus luteolus; Crepidotus variabilis; Stereum gausapatum; Panaoeolus acuminatus and Dacrymyces stillatus.
 
12th January 2013 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - 2 hours pottering and 33 species noted, these were:- Trametes versicolor; Dacrymyces stillatus; Rhopographus filicinus; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Byssomerulius corium; Stereum hirsutum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Datronia mollis; Xylaria hypoxylon; Leptosphaeria acuta; Hypoxylon fuscum; Calyptella capula; Heterobasidion annosum; Piptoporus betulinus; Nectria cinnabarina; Hypholoma fasciculare; Skeletocutis amorpha; Hygrophorus hypothejus; Mycena galopus; Trichaptum abietinum; Stereum rameale; Stereum gausapatum; Peniophora quercina; Vuilleminia comedens; Exidia truncata; Bjerkandera adusta; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia-auricula judae; Tubaria furfuracea; Trochila ilicina; Ganoderma australe and Postia subcaesia.
 
11th January 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - The Smoked Oysterling (Resupinatus applicatus) was found on a roadside branch whilst having a dinner time wander.
 
9th January 2013 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - Wandering home and a check of some fallen Ivy leaves - mmm a few miniature discs. A plough through some literature, a browse of the web - clues gained and so to microscopy. Head scratching, another ponder, more peering down the barrel and conidia seen - all evidence points to Ceuthospora hederae - a new one for the year.
 
8th January 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - Puccinia lagenophorae on Groundsel was noted for the first time this year.
 

7th January 2013 - Didsbury, Stockport, Cheshire - A brief reccie at a new site where recording will be starting in earnest produced 27 species, these were:- Byssomerulius corium; Auricularia mesenterica; Trochila ilicina; Daldinia concentrica; Clitocybe fragrans; Kretzschmaria deusta; Xylaria longipes; Exidia nucleata; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia-auricula judae; Schizopora paradoxa; Tubaria furfuracea; Dacrymyces stillatus; Trametes versicolor; Arrhenia retiruga; Trametes gibbosa; Coprinellus micaceus; Bjerkandera adusta; Rhytisma acerinum; Crepidotus mollis; Crepidotus luteolus; Chaetosphaerella phaeostroma; Xylaria hypoxylon; Cyathus striatus; Stereum hirsutum; Flammulina velutipes and Leptosphaeria acuta.

The Birds Nest Fungus (Cyathus striatus) was located on woodchip and came in literally 100's of fruit bodies and although old several still contained the silvery eggs (Peridioles).

 
5th January 2013 - Moore NR, Cheshire - Whilst on a birding wander a few fungi were noted, 40 species in fact:- Calyptella capula; Sarcomyxa serotina; Flammulina velutipes; Exidia nucleata; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia-auricula judae; Exidia truncata; Daldinia fissa; Dacrymyces stillatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Piptoporus betulinus; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Nectria cinnabarina; Rhytisma acerinum; Chondrostereum purpureum; Melanotus horizontalis; Stereum hirsutum; Xylaria hypoxylon; Xylaria polymorpha; Trametes versicolor; Leptosphaeria acuta; Vuilleminia comedens; Phlebia radiata; Arrhenia retiruga; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Peniophora quercina; Scleroderma citrinum; Schizopora paradoxa; Rutstroemia firma; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Byssomerulius corium; Exidia recisa; Merulius tremellosus; Hypholoma fasciculare; Rhopographus filicinus; Geastrum triplex; Peniophora incarnata; Crepidotus epibryus; Crepidotus cesatii and 207 fruiting bodies of Sarcoscypha austriaca.
 
4th January 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - An abundance of Arrhenia retiruga on the mossy lawn outside my place of work.
 

1st January 2013 - Abney Hall/River Mersey, Cheshire - With no car at the moment we are limited so a circular walk from our home was all that could be done. The weather was fine and 46 species of fungi were located, these being:- Flammulina velutipes; Exidia nucleata; Hyphodontia sambuci; Auricularia-auricula judae; Exidia glandulosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Leptosphaeria acuta; Vuilleminia comedens; Stereum hirsutum; Peniophora quercina; Schizopora paradoxa; Chondrostereum purpureum; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Postia subcaesia; Peniophora lycii; Lycoperdon pyriforme; Coprinellus micaceus; Pleurotus ostreatus; Melanotus horizontalis; Daldinia concentrica; Dacrymyces stillatus; Trametes versicolor; Stereum gausapatum; Trochila ilicina; Heterobasidion annosum; Xylaria hypoxylon; Annulohypoxylon multiforme; Rhytisma acerinum; Nectria cinnabarina; Polyporus brumalis; Trametes gibbosa; Hypholoma fasciculare; Arrhenia retiruga; Claviceps purpurea; Trichoderma viride; Daldinia fissa; Peniophora incarnata; Rhopographus filicinus; Xylaria longipes; Crepidotus cesatii; Tremella mesenterica; Exidia plana; Ascocoryne cylichnium; Tubaria furfuracea and Ganoderma australe.