Fungi Detectives Needed

Keep your eyes peeled this autumn for a special sort of mushroom. The Somerset Biodiversity Partnership is asking for any sightings of waxcaps.
All waxcap fungi belong to the genus Hygrocybe and have brightly coloured caps which often also have a 'shiny' appearance and slimy feel. They come in a variety of colours, including bright pinks, reds and oranges, making them a highly attractive addition to the autumn landscape.
Waxcaps only appear on unimproved grassland, a habitat which is in decline in Britain. Waxcap surveys are continuing within the Quantock Hills AONB, Exmoor and West Somerset. Thanks to support from the Blackdown Hills AONB Sustainability Development Fund, the survey this year covers this AONB as well. The intention is to track down the last remaining areas of unimproved grassland and to help protect these areas.

How you can get involved

When you are out walking, keep an eye out for bright coloured fungi growing in the grassland. Some good places to look include close cropped pasture, parklands, churchyards and even lawns.
As species of waxcap can be difficult to distinguish, all you need to record are some simple pieces of information, such as the colour of the waxcap and where it was seen.
An identification guide to help you record your results is available by clicking here.

You can sumbit your records by returning the freepost illustrated survey card available by clicking here. Alternatively, you can send your results via e-mail to Alison Slade on biodiversity@somersetwildlife.org or by phone on 01823 652409.

Survey Training

On Sunday 16th October 2011 at Clayhidon Village Hall in the Blackdown Hills. Please book with Alison Slade on biodiversity@somersetwildlife.org or 01823 652409.

On 22 and 29th October 2011 and 12th November 2011 at Nettlecombe Court Field Studies Centre in West Somerset. Please book this on 01984 640320 or nic.nc@field-studies-council.org.