Oswestry (old) Racecourse Park (1), Nesscliffe Hill Woods (2) and the grounds of of the Field Studies Centre (3), Shropshire - 20th October 2018

As part of a Macrofungi course I had enlisted in at the Field Studies Centre (FSC) in Preston Montford, Shropshire, I visited various local locations as part of the course work where I had hoped to work at microscopic level and to evaluate spores, etc. This was very successful, my first attempt at 10 spore tests confirming a species of Collybia being peronata (Wood Woollyfoot) and so encouraged me to take the next step for ID acceptance by purchasing a microscope/camera etc., very soon. During my explorations with the group I found the following species some of which I was able to use in my studies during the course. The FSC is an excellent facility for learning about anything connected with nature and well worth while looking into to see what may interest you in so many other areas as well as fungi. My tutors were excellent and well known experienced mycologists from the area. I should point out that much of the course is aimed at beginners' and would contribute to an overall Univ. degree or similar. I didn't do the exams but preferred to spend more time on recording and evaluating. Great food and staff by the way!!

Possible Agaricus impudicus (1) near Alder

Imleria badia - young Bay Bolete
in spruce woodland (1)

Xerocomus ferrugineus - keyed out using Kibby

X. ferrugineus cut
showing lack of staining
but yellow showing
through
lower section of stem. (1)

Hygrocybe laeta - Heath Waxcap (1)

Hygrocybe irrigata
- Slimy Waxcap (1)

Laccaria proxima - Scurfy Deceiver (1)

Laccaria proxima - Scurfy Deceiver

Collybia peronata - Wood Woolyfoot.
Spore tested x 10
providing 9.16 x 3.65µms (1)

Gymnopilus sapineus - Scaly Rustgill (2)

Clitocybe phyllopila - Frosty Funnel (2)

Lactarius turpis - Ugly Milkcap on Silver Birch (2)

Nectria cinnabarina - Coral Spot (2)

A same day hatching of the main fruiting body of
Phallus impudicus - Stinkhorn.
Even the flies hadn't found it! (2)

Lacrymaria lacrymabunda - Weeping Willow (3)

Xylaria longipes - Dead Moll's Fingers (3)

Chlorophyllum rhacodes - Shaggy Parasol (3)

Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall - 14th October 2018

After stormy weather during the preceding few days a gap in the weather allowed me to visit this delightful site, one I have meant to make for years. The southerly pathway was closed due to falling trees but the whole area is excellent for observing from the pathways even if you cannot be seen diving into bushes or seen on lawns that are not for walking on. Not so much a tree speciality site which I prefer like other gardens in the area which are almost arboretums, but lots of smaller plants and woodlands to explore, small lakes and even a rare species animal farm. While traversing the early pathways I came across the bright and sunny Orange Peel Fungus or Aleuria aurantia, which is always good to see. The next species of interest was Brown Rollrim or Paxillus involutus. At first I thought this was the very large Russula species R. foetens, but on closer inspection and seeing the gills were darker than at first seen and slightly still rolling rim, hence name, then opted for the former. The following species I first thought were a more common type of Dapperling, L. cristata but after checking, this tuned out to be Skullcap Dapperling or Leucocoprinus brebissonii. Uncommon, probably missed by many as looking very similar to the previous mentioned species but the high white gills convinced me plus lack of smell. The other highlights was an excellent restaurant/cafe which had a Sunday Roast available, loads of specially made cakes and everything else that's bad for you so enjoyed my time there as well! And - not at rip off tourist prices either - a pleasant change from other locations.

Paxillus involutus - Brown Rollrim (not uncommon)

Paxillus involutus - Brown Rollrim

Leucocoprinus brebissonii - Skullcap Dapperling

Leucocoprinus brebissonii - Skullcap Dapperling

Amanita excelsa var. spissa - Grey Spotted Amanita

Mycena haematopus - Burgundydrop Bonnet
growing on charcoal bonfire.

Aleuria aurantia - Orange Peel Fungus

Agaricus xanthodermus - Yellow Stainer

Pencarrow House Grounds, Nr Wadebridge, Cornwall - 7th October 2018

Following a recent spell of rain I took advantage of the very helpful owners of this normally private estate which opens up its gardens until the end of October. Well worth a visit, even better earlier when the cafe is open! I took the western side Holly Walk as this seemed to be the most wooded area on the site although there are several different habitats you could visit, all of which I am sure would produce different fungi. The site is a must visit in November for waxcaps - if you can get in as it's normally closed. Watch out for the occasion charity event that sometimes takes place and the hope that the gardeners haven't bothered to mow the main lawns. I had eight species of waxcap here a few years ago. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I was entering a woodland that was predominantly of Horse-Chestnut trees, something not seen a lot these days when all you can expect in woodland these days is Beech, Oak or Hazel. The circular route is helpful and the 'return track' called just that produced a species that has only really been discovered in the UK in the past few years, having seen this for the first time myself two years ago in Cornwall. Even stranger is that it is known from Madagascar and not much anywhere else. How it got to Cornwall and then into Devon of late, still with few records, no-one knows. I have my own ideas that imported tropical flowers brought into exotic gardens in the locality could be something to do with this, knowing also that species are brought in and legally, from South Africa. Great to see Favolaschia calocera, or as you will see, Orange Pored PingPong Bats Fungus! I was also lucky to find a second example being what appeared to be the more mature redder fruiting body.  I also came across Agaricus moelleri or Inky Mushroom, a first for me, in a trooping group in a rare area of grassland in the middle of the woodland, no doubt influenced by the sunshine gap that has allowed this to happen.

Favolaschia calocera or Orange Pored PingPong Bats!
Few records only from Cornwall. Beautiful to see
and heartwarming to find. Also, no ID necessary,
there's nothing else like it!!

Favolaschia calocera in warmer reddish form

Agaricus moelleri or Inky Mushroom

Agaricus moelleri showing bright yellow on bruising

Clitocybe metachroa funnel type species

A little had better days Crepidotus mollis or Peeling Oysterling.

Fairly common but often overlooked Ceriporiopsis gilvescens
or Pink Porecrust. Note the very deep tubes of
this porous resupinate bracket. 

Pleated Inkcap or Parasola plicatilis found at edge of footpath.

Oudemansiella mucida or as sensible people
call it Porcelain Fungus!

Lycoperdon molle or Soft Puffball as I exited the woodland.