Well that's summer over; autumn is here

[AlanS]

Mayhap I exaggerate.

But after admiring the rather splendid fruiting of Inocybe rimosa (fastigiata) (a toadstool) under a few trees on the University campus during the past week, I see today that a birch is ringed by a troop of large and healthy Russula aeruginea. The Inocybe never has much respect for seasons anyway, but judging by other fungi being posted to the forum, there is a distinct autumnal element appearing.

So I hope no one minds if I ask a quick question. I live in Scotland but am fungus/lichen recorder for a reserve (Wicken Fen) in East Anglia (don't ask).

After many days of exams marking and processing, I suddenly face that rare commodity, a Free Weekend! I have various options and there are some( the editors concerned) who might feel I should finish a seriously overdue book chapter.

But if I can head for Wicken and perhaps get some of the macrofungi as well as the tail end of the tiny cups and black dots season, this might be worth the trip. And maybe I'll see a few flowers too, instead of being stuck indoors wondering if the snowdrops have finished yet.

So, is there anyone in East Anglia or S.E. England who can confirm that there is a fruiting of the larger fungi going on?

Alan

[endless autumn]

I have a patch of Russula aeruginea outside my flat (under birch) as well, just by Hampstead Heath.

They often turn up in the summer but may be a little early this year - they've been out for a week or so.

Otherwise, there is very little about - usual spring/ summer markers are yet to surface: no fairy rings, no precocious field mushrooms, no chicken of the woods...

(I have also been looking out in general for non-edible species, which are thin on the ground - some mysterious psathyrella, some common ink caps, nothing of much interest, and nothing much to suggest autumn's here yet.)

Anyway, it would be interesting to hear what's out and about in East Anglia - I am yet to make it to any serious fungal spots this year...

[solus]

One can seriously go off people, you know!

What pessimists you are, thinking summer is over before it's really begun and that autumn has arrived already!

Hasn't it occurred to you that these odd fungi have just turned up a bit late for last autumn's party??

[endless autumn]

But those of us who prefer autumn are surely being optimistic...

[AlanS]

LOL, and thanks Endless Autumn, that's useful to know.

Alan

[endless autumn]

Originally Posted by AlanS

But if I can head for Wicken and perhaps get some of the macrofungi as well as the tail end of the tiny cups and black dots season, this might be worth the trip. And maybe I'll see a few flowers too, instead of being stuck indoors wondering if the snowdrops have finished yet.

Just wondered - is there anywhere in the UK which is lucky enought to have the flower and fungus seasons (gross generalisations - sorry) coincide?

Have recently been to the Pyrenees, where orchids, narcissus, crocus, tulip, iris, cep, and chanterelle were all present, or anticipated within a week or two. (The fungi disappear for six weeks or so in high summer, returning with the storms.)

[jennyb]

I found 2 Amanita in my garden today. Surely this is too early for them?

Jenny

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by jennyb

I found 2 Amanita in my garden today. Surely this is too early for them?

Jenny

Not so Jenny. Were they Blushers - Amanita rubescens by chance? I found large groups of these today at Clumber Park, plus many Stink horns - Phallus impudicus. I've found the eggs of these every week since christmas!

There were also many St Georges - Calocybe gambosa which have been noticeably absent last month.

It all seems very mixed up at the moment

John

[jennyb]

Actually I thought they were Amanita spissa. I started a thread to id them for sure.
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...manita-id.html

They did not bruise.

Jenny