Padworth Common NR
Sun 20 Nov 2022
Coprinellus angulatus
Photo © Dave Shute
Field event ID HF2224
OS Grid areas: SU6156
Report: We joined our colleagues from the Thames Valley Group for this survey on the Berkshire/Hampshire border.
The morning session in woodland began with a few nice finds including Collared Earthstar (Geastrum triplex), Leafy Brain (Tremella foliacea), White Fibrecap (Inocybe geophylla) and Sulphur Knight (Tricholoma sulphureum).
‘Cap and stem’ mushrooms were a little thin on the ground except for the ever-present bonnets (Mycena). Amongst these, Snapping (M. vitilis), Blackedge (M. pelianthina), Rancid (M. olida), Bulbous (M. stylobates) and Yellowleg (M. epipterygia) were identified.
Turning our attention to deadwood we encountered Blushing Bracket (Daedaleopsis confragosa), Bitter Oysterling (Panellus stipticus), Split Porecrust (Schizopora paradoxa) and the once rare, but now increasingly common, Crimped Gill (Plicatura crispa).
An area of pines produced Conifercone Cap (Baeospora myosura), Conifer Blueing Bracket (Postia caesia) and False Chanterelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca).
As we moved out onto the open common a nice group of Elfin Saddle (Helvella lacunosa) was found as well as Earthfan (Thelephora terrestris) and what proved to be Fleecy Fibrecap (Inocybe flocculosa agg.).
After lunch, a few intrepid members undertook a lengthy walk to a burnt patch of heathland where several specialist fungi of this type of habitat were seen. These included Bonfire Scalycap (Pholiota highlandensis), Charcoal Cup (Peziza echinospora) and Bishop’s Inkcap (Coprinellus angulatus). On the way we also discovered the crust fungus Phlebiopsis gigantea on a cut pine log and Yellow Brain (Tremella mesenterica) on a gorse stem which was parasitising Rosy Crust (Peniophora incarnata).