On Saturday we had the latest foray with the Norfolk Fungus Study Group. Once again it was to a private site not normally accessible to the public - Sporle Wood near Swaffham. This time we even got a lift from the farm to the wood with the farmer!
There was a good turn out too and with plenty of eyes looking we found loads of interest. Indeed, my personal tally of new species to me was c20.
Sporle Wood is an ancient woodland used over the years as coppice and plantation and has never been under the plough. It is a mixture of oak, ash, beech, pine, alder, sycamore and probably more.
I shall resist the temptation to list all the species recorded as that would be a boring read. Instead I’ll concentrate on the highlights. New species I was particularly pleased with were Fiery Milkcap (which we did the taste test on!), Scarlet Bonnet, Conifer Shield, Tawny Milkcap, Least Stinking Brittlegill, Grass Oysterling, Conifer Bleeding Crust, Pointed Club, Pygmy Brittlestem, Snowy Disco, Umber Webcap (which smells of beetroot!), Smoked Oysterling (probably) and Star Fibrecap.
Add to those Magpie Inkcap, Yellow Splash Tooth, Oak Bleeding Crust, Lemon Disco, Blueing Bracket, Crested Coral, Bowl Hoodie, Geranium Brittlegill, Black Bulgar, Earpick Fungus, Matt Bolete, Charcoal Burner, Coral Brittlegill and Mild Milkcap and you have the ingredients for a fantastic and educational day.
Many thanks to those who took specimens home to id - work which is still ongoing!
