Foray Reports

10 optimists met at Boughton Brake on Saturday morning. I say optimists because the weather has been so very dry for weeks and not a spot of rain for at least 14 days.

So, we set our sights on finding evidence of 10 species of fungi and were well pleased with the preliminary count of 17 plus a few taken away by Howard for closer inspection.

I think the highlight for Howard was when he rolled over a log to discover Sulphur Tuft in a non-dehydrated state. For me it was finding what we first thought to be Nut disco, Hymenoscyphus fructigenus but after taking it home Howard found it to be Snowy disco, Lachnum virgineum because of its frilly edge.

Howard also identified Morenoina paludosa, a very small black asco on a dead rush stem at the edge of the pond. Not often recorded and a first for Notts.

In addition to the anticipated Candle snuff on rotting stumps, we also found Beechmast candle snuff on beech nut husks.

Both Birch Polypore and Hoof Fungus were seen on birch trees. Examples of the latter were also found on a pine stump and pine trunk, unusual but not impossble substrates for this species.

As we were all getting excited over a green lichen looking like Turkey Tail, Aga produced a beautiful blue-grey version of Turkey Tail for Jean to put on the Facebook page – it really was stunning in the sunshine.

4 species of butterfly were seen, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Brimstone and Small White.

By the 18th May we hope some rain will have helped the fungi to flourish and we can find more at Newstead and Annesley County Park. 

Many thanks for joining us,

Ann Ward