Mark Ash Wood
Sun 15 Sep 2024
Abortiporus biennis
Photo © Dave Shute
Field event ID HF2413
OS Grid areas: SU2406 SU2506
Report: The meeting was conducted on a warm and overcast day proceeding through mixed woodland to a Forest stream, lined with Alder.
Some early finds included Gymnopilus dryophila (Russet Toughshank), Hymenopellis radicata (Rooting Shank), Crepidotus applanatus (Flat Oysterling), Mycena pelianthina (Blackedge Bonnet) and Chlorociboria aeruginescens (Green Elfcup).
A search under Bracken revealed the impressive Cortinarius violaceus (Violet Webcap) and a little further along some Tricholomopsis decora (Prunes and Custard) was found on a fallen pine log. A small fruitbody of Abortiporus biennis (Blushing Rosette) was discovered amongst some fallen oak debris. It was seen to be exuding small brown droplets which dried to brown stains on the pored surface. Whilst examining this, someone noticed we were being watched by a Tawny Owl, which was roosting some 6 metres up in a Beech rot-hole!
Back on the main path, an excellent find was Pluteus umbrosus (Velvet Shield) on a Beech stump. As we descended into the boggy stream-bed some puzzling Naucoria species (Aldercap sp.) were seen together with some striking Cortinarius species (Webcap sp.). Russula claroflava (Yellow Swamp Brittlegill) was another find, as well as Amanita fulva (Tawny Grisette) and a fine specimen of Megacollybia platyphylla (Whitelaced Shank).