Mild Autumn weather boosts fungi finds

The mild autumn weather has given us more time to spot the variety of fungi that can be found in and around our woodlands and fields. From spectacular waxcaps to stunning corals, fungi come in all shapes, sizes and textures, and vary from subdued pastel browns to the most vibrant colours. Many fungi species are indicators of habitats with low nutrient management, such as unimproved grassland. This is grassland that has not received fertilisers or other agricultural inputs, and as a result is often high in plant diversity.

This is an important habitat at the sanctuary not only for the biodiversity it supports, but also because it provides our resident donkeys with enrichment and high-fibre grazing, and as such benefits them nutritionally and behaviourally.

During a recent fungi survey carried out with volunteers and members of the conservation team, Pascal was alerted to an interesting fungus near the miniature donkeys’ paddock, located in the heart of the Sidmouth sanctuary. They were not disappointed when conservation officer Helen and volunteer David identified it as the aptly named ‘spectacular rustgill’ (Gymnopilus junonius).

This large orange mushroom is easy to identify and is typically found growing in large numbers on tree stumps, logs or tree bases.

Further on, another species that caught Pascal’s eye was the striking ‘devil’s fingers’, otherwise known as ‘octopus stinkhorn’ (Clathrus archeri).

This eye-catching fungus has red tentacles that splay out like a starfish. Pascal described the ‘devil’s fingers’ as having a ‘warm dog bin’ odour, which helps attract flies, slugs and beetles. The fungi produces its spores in a sticky slime that attaches to its invertebrate visitors, which then disperse the spores far and wide.

It is believed to have been introduced from Australia, and although scarce, its appearance or smell cannot be mistaken for anything else.

While helping with woodland management deep in the heart of Paccombe Wood, Pascal noticed a species of honey fungus (Armillaria cepistipes). This group of fungi is typically found growing at the base of deciduous trees that have previously been stressed by another pathogen. The mycelium (the network of fungal threads that collect nutrients and water to nourish the fungus) has quite a unique party trick – it glows in the dark.

Growing alongside the driveway to our Trow offices, Pascal spotted a gorgeous ‘parrot waxcap’ (Gliophorus psittacinus). Found throughout northern Europe, the ‘parrot waxcap’ is often seen in churchyards and is associated with grassland with a short sward and low nutrient soil. Again, this highlights the importance for biodiversity of reducing fertilisers and other artificial inputs and managing grass to different heights to cater to the habitat preferences of multiple species.

Heading back into the woodland, the conservation team identified the delightfully named ‘yellow brain’ (Tremella mesenterica). Also known as ‘witch’s butter’, it feeds on fungi that feed on dead wood.

These species are most often found on deciduous deadwood, whereas the very similar ‘leafy brain’ (Tremella foliacea) is more closely associated with coniferous deadwood.

To end, we need to go a bit further afield to find Pascal’s favourite fungi. Just a few miles from the Sidmouth sanctuary, Pascal spotted a flamboyant-looking fungus fruiting on a fallen branch in Core Hill Woods. Devon Fungus Group identified it as the exotic Favolaschia calocera, otherwise known as ‘orange pore’ or ‘orange ping-pong bat fungus’. It originates in Madagascar and is thought to have spread across the globe through contaminated woodchip.

First identified in South Devon in 2012, the striking orange flora is known to be a ruderal species, as in one that will colonise disturbed ground such as wasteland and roadsides. Fortunately, it is considered a poor competitor against native wood-inhabiting fungi.

As there have only been a few recorded sightings in the UK, Pascal’s sighting has been recorded on the Fungal Records Database of Britain and Ireland (FRDBI). It is hoped the invasive species won’t become a dominant feature, although Pascal admitted to it being a stunning sight among the autumn leaves.