On Monday the 26/10 I took the Walkers & Talkers from Oakenshaw on a Fungi walk around Raw Nook LNR in the pouring rain.
One of the main aims of the walk was to explain the different parts of a fungi and how fungi works within the local ecosystem. Early on in the walk I explained that it is fairly unusual to find a pristine Fly Agaric fungus as small mammals and insects are quick to feed on the fungus.
No sooner had I said that when someone shouted out ‘ Look at That! ‘ (ABOVE PHOTO) Not only was it a pristine Fly Agaric but a ‘Very Large one too! ‘ and it was well photographed by the group.
One of the interesting points was finding an Ugly Milkcap fungus yes that is it’s real name! This Milkcap family genera Lactarius and Lactifluus when damaged they produce a milk fluid which quickly dries and pools over the damaged flesh, helping to seal the injury against dehydration and microbial infection.
By the pond area I showed the group a number of Common Bonnets (Mycena galericulata) which were growing ‘ inside ‘ a fallen Goats Willow trees which just illustrated the magical wonders of fungi…
