Hampshire Fungal News
Ctenophora flaveolata ©Paul Hugill
When fungi are scarce...
Marlborough Deeps was not at it's mycological best and the photographers in the group looked to other subjects. The two Pauls were very happy to photograph a striking insect subsequently identified by Dick Vane-Wright from the NHM as the crane fly Ctenophora flaveolata . Further photos can be seen on Paul Smith's website. Apr 2012
Callistosporium pinicola ©Paul Hugill
New British record confirmed
Way back in Novermber 2010 on a foray in Rushpole wood Alan Lucas found a fungus he hadn't seen before and after much puzzling Paul Hugill put the photographs on the ABFG forum where Andreas Gminder suggested it was Callistosporium pinicola a species he had seen in Germany. After consulting a publication by Eef Arnolds this seemed likely, and now Kew has accepted this record and it will go in the next version of the British Checklist. Great work Alan. Apr 2012
Coprinopsis martinii ©Dave Kelly
New Inkcap for South Hants
Although considered the quiet time of the year it is surprising how often new species turn up. Dave Kelly sent the group photographs of an inkcap he had found after suggestions on WAB that this may be an unusual species. Stuart examined the dried specimens and came to the conclusion this was Coprinopsis martinii a view supported by Derek Schafer. This is the first record for South Hampshire with one previous record in North Hampshire. Mar 2012
Poronia punctata ©Sue Howe
Poronia punctata report
Hampshire Wildlife Trust has just published a report of a survey conducted in 2010-11 to assess the occurrence of Poronia punctata, the Nail Fungus, in the New Forest. Compared to the survey conducted in the same way in 2003-04 there was an increase in the number of sightings which is good news as the New Forest a global stronghold for the species. Download (8MB) Mar 2011
Caloscypha fulgens ©Sue Rogerson
Caloscypha fulgens outbreak
2011 is the spring for Caloscypha fulgens it seems. Apart from Alan Lucas reporting finding it at two sites in the Forest, Leif Goodwin has found it in North Hampshire, a new ViceCounty record. The tally does not stop there because according to Kew there have been three new county firsts for Sussex, Surrey and Kent and maybe another occurence in Huntingdonshire. With its striking orange interior and blue external surface it is clearly visible amongst the green background of the mossy habitat it favours. Mar 2011
©Stuart Skeates
Slime monster
Following a report from Mary Parker about possible 'large slime mould' growing on the end of a branch near East Meon Paul Hugill and myself visited the site on different days. The 'slime' is known as a slime-flux which was suggested by Tony Mundell when he forwarded Mary's email to me. A slime-flux is sap undergoing fermentation by a mixture of bacteria and fungi. A similar record in 2006 ,known as The Tyntesfield Monster, puzzled Kew until its identity was established and reported in some detail in Field Mycology Oct 2006 7(4) p128-131 by Alick Henrici, Joyce Andrews and John Bailey. Mar 2011
Multiclavula vernalis ©Paul Hugill
Multiclavula vernalis returns
There was considerable excitement last year when Multiclavula vernalis was first found near Hawley Lake by Keith Blackmore and reached the national press. Its appearance has been reported again this year by Mike Waterman and Paul Hugill. It is a lichenised fungus growing with algae on the soil. Mar 2011
Book: Photographing fungi
Paul Hugill has now given away the secrets of his photography skills in a recently published book entitled 'How to photograph Fungi'. It is available from Blurb one of the growing online print on demand websites. Mar 2010
Book: Field guide
New Book: HFRG members Barry Hughes and Paul Sterry have written the new edition of Collins 'Complete Guide to British Mushrooms and Toadstools'. Oct 2009
Hericium erinaceus ©Stuart Skeates
Bearded Tooth spreads North
Hericium erinaceus (The Bearded Tooth) has been found at a new Hampshire location in VC12 by Sue Hiley at Kempshott near Basingstoke. Do keep a look out on beech trees for this rare striking fungus, looking as it does like a mop head. Oct 2009
Guidance from the BMS and Home Office on picking psilocin containing fungi is now on the document page. Apr 2006
