Wonderful waxcap survey results

Over the autumn and winter we received a marvellous response to our Somerset waxcap fungi survey.  Over 300 sightings were submitted of 26 different waxcap species.

 The Blackdown Hills AONB waxcap survey training day at Clayhidon Churchyard was well chosen, as this turned out to hold a healthy Ballerina waxcap population and five other Hygrocybe fungi species.  Read about the results of this survey here.

A report has also been prepared on the survey results for the Quantock Hills AONB area, where again we found previously unrecorded waxcap grasslands.  More records were received for other locations in Somerset.

 All the records have been added to the appropriate record centre's data holdings, so they can be used for conservation purposes.

Even though waxcaps will not start fruiting until late summer, like many mushrooms there is a network of mycelial 'threads' underground.  A good proportion of the records were from garden lawns. So avoid using artificial fertlisers on your lawn, let the mosses grow, and if the 'threads' are present, you may be rewarded by a colourful display of fruiting waxcaps! 

Photo: Ballerina waxcap at Clayhidon Churchyard credit Alison Slade