Nature with Nev

An early fungi foray paid off yesterday morning with another lifer for me. I came across this cluster of bright coloured fungi as I was walking back at the end of the foray. Other species had been seen but nothing new, but when I saw this I knew it was going to be a lifer for me. At first I thought it may be Pigs Ear Fungus, but it didn't seem right. I couldn't think what else it could be and in the end I settled for Orange Peel Fungus - although the colour didn't seem right.  I pondered all afternoon and then I found what it was Salmon Salad.  I was overjoyed. This is indeed another lifer, and it was great specimen. The Salmon Salad is a rare and significant find. The unusual, petal-like lobed fruit bodies grow in clusters. Each lobe is shaped like a trumpet with a split down each side. The flesh was gelatinous and even though this species is actually edible, it does not have a distinctive odour or taste to it (according to the books). I always get a race in my he...

This is only the second time I have seen this species, and this one was growing on the same Beech tree that I found it on two autumns ago. Each autumn I check this special woodland for a variety of fungi, and this particular species is one I especially look out for - and early this evening it paid off. The specimen I found two autumn's back was twice the size of this one, so I am hoping that upon my return visit it will have expanded it's size. Either way, this is still a fine specimen, and a rare one too. The Tiered Tooth Hericium cirrhatum is indeed a very rare sight in Britain and Ireland, and it forms bracket-like tiers on the trunks. it is in fact an edible species, but to be honest, it is one edible species best left to grow where it is due to its rarity.  Besides, it is strictly illegal to pick Hericium fruitbodies in the UK. The fruit body is a creamy white, forming irregular tiers from 5 to 15 mm across. The white flexible spines are 10 - 15 mm long and the s...

All will be revealed at the end as to what this amazing lifer (above) was for me, but for now, I will take you through a selection of some of my favourites from yesterday's contribution to the UK Fungus Day, and what will be one of my memorable fungi forays to date. Beefsteak Fungus The aptly named Beefsteak is what took me out yesterday as this is a good time of year for them and is one of my favourites. There were only three specimens in the area I know for them, but each one as as eye catching as ever. I particularly liked this one as it is a young specimen, and it looks like it has blood dripping from it which gives it a real character. Just check out the large blood-red globule at the top. They can be found on Oak trees and occasionally on Chestnuts. It is in fact an edible species, maybe I will pass on this though!. Common Yellow Russula   Despite its name, I only saw one specimen on my foray, but close by and in larger numbers, forming little groups were Cha...