Blog - fungi

Fungi Fanatics

Fungi Fanatics

by daniel, 4 September, 2009, 4 comments

Summer may well be coming to an end, but as the nights draw in, the temperatures drop, the long rains set in and the leaves start to fall, the woodlands take on a new lease of life. As any of the legions of fungi fanatics will tell you, a forage around the forests in Autumn can be as exhilarating as a safari across the Serengeti. Read more...

Deadwood

by catherine, 10 October, 2008, 2 comments

Traditionally woodland was kept “clean” by clearing away fallen timber. However, nowadays it is recognised that deadwood has an important part to play in forest management. Deadwood was removed to prevent the transfer of disease and pests – a mistaken belief as it happens, for almost all species which inhabit deadwood are specific to that habitat (“saproxylic”) and will not inhabit living wood. Now deadwood is recognised as an essential part of the forest ecosystem. Read more...

The National Trust, mushrooms and toadstools

The National Trust, mushrooms and toadstools

by Chris, 9 November, 2007, 21 comments

Mushrooms and toadstools are common at this time of year. They are the visible evidence of fungi; the fruiting (spore-producing) bodies of fungi growing in the soil, leaf litter, or bark of trees. Nature’s ‘recycling depot’, bacteria and fungi are essential to the decomposition of plant and animal remains. Many local natural history societies organise fungal forays at this time of year, as do a number of the National Trust properties. Read more...

Dead wood and stag beetles

Dead wood and stag beetles

by Chris, 4 July, 2006, 3 comments

Dead and decaying wood forms an important part of any tree or woodland. In the past, dead branches and trees in woodland might have been taken for a sign of neglect or a poorly managed wood; it was regarded as a possible source of disease or ‘rubbish’ that needed to be tidied away. However, dead wood, whether it is part of a living tree or lying on the woodland floor, should be regarded as a resource that contributes to the diversity of the flora and fauna. As wood decays, it offers a series of different microhabitats. It has been estimated that dead and decaying wood can offer a home to some 1800 species. Read more...

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