Mere sands wood

[gobbiner]

On monday im going to Mere sands wood looking for fungi im told i wont be disappointed, is there any tips i need to know please thank you, just to say my main hobby is photography i want to get as many pics of fungi and mushrooms as poss, also any other place around lancashire i would be grateful thank you...Ray

[solus]

Welcome to the addictive, often difficult but always fun, fungi forum! Can't help with any info about the location but if you want to have any chance of your photos being identified then try to get clear pictures of both upper (cap) and lower (gills or pores) surfaces. It is also useful for ID purposes to know what the fungus was growing on/from (wood, soil, cowpats, particular species of tree etc.) and the general habitat (deciduous woodland dominated by beech, grassland, woodchips etc.) Size, smell, texture are all important plus a load more stuff I always forget about.
Have a look at some of the Gallery pics to see some really stunning photos of fungi!

But above all, have a great day out.

Oh - and expect to spend much of your time on your knees in the dirt!

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by gobbiner

....On monday im going to Mere sands wood looking for fungi....also any other place around lancashire....

While at Mere Sands, you might be interested in booking for the fungi foray that's on there next Saturday (10th Oct. 2pm - Cost £5.00). I'm sure that the foray leader will be able to show you much more than you might find by just wandering around, (especially if the site is new to you).

As to other places in Lancashire - It's crammed full of good fungi spots.
Have you had a good look around Foxhill Bank for instance?

I'd suggest getting hold of Lancashire Wildlife Trust's "Nature Reserve Guide" book. (I think it costs £5.00). That shows a good number of reserves, all of which have their niche in the fungi hunting caledar. Joining LWT would b a good idea too, as they hold fungi forays too, and I'm a great believer in supporting local wildlife organisations.

All of the local woodlands -anywhere where there are a few trees, you'll be likely to find fungi. And, at this time of year, most of the upland open grassy areas will also be fruitful for Waxcaps and Mottlegills etc. etc.

Just go slowly and look carefully, fungi is everywhere.

Regards,
Mike.

PS - On the photography side of things, I don't know what kit you use, but a macro lens of some sort or other is nigh on essential, and take my word for it, you will definitely need a tripod to get the best results.

[gobbiner]

Originally Posted by Lancashire Lad

While at Mere Sands, you might be interested in booking for the fungi foray that's on there next Saturday (10th Oct. 2pm - Cost £5.00). I'm sure that the foray leader will be able to show you much more than you might find by just wandering around, (especially if the site is new to you).

As to other places in Lancashire - It's crammed full of good fungi spots.
Have you had a good look around Foxhill Bank for instance?

I'd suggest getting hold of Lancashire Wildlife Trust's "Nature Reserve Guide" book. (I think it costs £5.00). That shows a good number of reserves, all of which have their niche in the fungi hunting caledar. Joining LWT would b a good idea too, as they hold fungi forays too, and I'm a great believer in supporting local wildlife organisations.

All of the local woodlands -anywhere where there are a few trees, you'll be likely to find fungi. And, at this time of year, most of the upland open grassy areas will also be fruitful for Waxcaps and Mottlegills etc. etc.

Just go slowly and look carefully, fungi is everywhere.

Regards,
Mike.

PS - On the photography side of things, I don't know what kit you use, but a macro lens of some sort or other is nigh on essential, and take my word for it, you will definitely need a tripod to get the best results.

I will be using a Canon 100mm 2.8 macro lens for the fungi, im never without my tripod, as for foxhill its that close i never gave it a thought thanks a lot for the info i will look into the foray

[Fungalpunk]

Mere Sands Wood is a quality reserve and if you can get on their walk then do it. I used to do it regularly when Ken Jordan and Ronnie Barker led them and they were a treat. I've missed the last few so don't know who does them now but I bet they are still great. A nice reserve with a great diversity of species. As you know its been ridiculously dry of late so it won't be at its best but you never know. Other sites - the Ainsdale coast can be good esp the Formby area.

The Lancashire site guide is indeeed worth getting as it gives plenty to go at with useful directions.

I need to get up to Mere Sands again but am always booked up this time of year. Good mooching and let me know what you find. Check the pine cones for Ear Pick Fungus too - seen that a few times there.

Fungalpunk Dave