Identification of fungi on shredded ash tree

[lovinthegarden]

We had an ash tree coppiced recently and the smaller branches were shredded. We now have a big pile of 'mulch' but I have recently noticed some type of fungi growing in blobs on the top. As I can't put a photo on here I will have to describe it. It is like a lava flow...oozing out, sort of pink on top and yellow custard in the middle. When it dried, the yellow turns black. Any idea what it is please...I don't want it to be anything nasty that will spread. Thanks.

[fairplay]

Hi and welcome to WAB.

If you poke your finger in it, is it all slimy like ? Sounds to me you have a slime mould from your description of 'like lava oozing out' and most likely Fuligo septica is the candidate, although the mention of pink on the top is confusing.

This is a bright yellow, but when dry, turns black and is very common on fresh woodchip piles. It is completely harmless and only feeds on microscopic fungal spores and bacteria, etc. It will keep re-occurring from time to time and although not a true fungus, you will get other fungi growing on these wood chips (again completely harmless to the garden) which is all part of the natural decay process.

Neil.