Hawkes Wood, Nr Wadebridge, Cornwall Sunday 5th August 2018

I visited this Cornwall Wildlife Trust site as part of a Cornwall Fungi Recording Group event. Unfortunately the leader and myself were the only participants, whether that was to do with the recent drought indicating it wouldn't be a great foray or it was just bad timing for most. The site is difficult to access, with very limited parking near the site and none at the entrance as it shares a it with residential location.  Still once we had walked to the entrance we proceeded to follow the stream due SE, which had a good level water, so brightened up our hopes. We came across a very nice young Beefsteak bracket (Fistulina hepatica) under an oak tree by the side of the path but after what was the highlight of the visit. Pauline picked out three very small Gallerina type looking fungi growing on rotting wood. This turned out to be the exceedingly rare Flammulaster muricatus having been confirmed by KewG. Probably a first for Cornwall, which is being checked. 

In addition, some uncommon resupinates were also found with Thanatephorus fusiporous, Annulohypoxylon minutellum and Ceraceomyces serpens, also known as C. crispatus. This is also very uncommon and rarely seen. Other more common species are illustrated. This is now my nearest nature reserve to Wadebridge, Cornwall where I now live and so is one I will visit again in future often. When wetter and later in the season it should produce a great deal more very interesting fungi species in this special ancient oak woodland.

Fistulina hepatica (Beefsteak Fungus)

Flammulaster muricatus ((status V/B - very rare)

Flammulaster muricatus ((status V/B - very rare)

Ceraceomyces serpens (crispatus)

Nectria peziza

Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)