Chris Johnson tells us about his project to record the fungi and lichens of the Outer Hebrides

Relatively little is known about the fungi of the Outer Hebrides and many of the records have been generated by specialists on short visits to the islands, particularly to St Kilda. The most comprehensive work is a summary of the collections over a thirty year period by RWG Dennis (Fungi of the Hebrides, 1986).

A new project to record the fungi began in 2010 and lichens in 2011 and so far over 150 species of fungi and 29 lichens have been photographed and identified. The two major types of habitat on the island are grassland and peat moorland/sphagnum bog. There are two conifer plantations; otherwise, the only significant area of woodland is within the grounds of Stornoway Castle. The fungal flora is therefore somewhat specialised and I now find myself paying considerable attention to micro fungi, especially on dung. (To put the number of species into perspective’ they could be achieved in a day or two in rich habitat on the mainland). Focus does pay dividends as several rarely recorded species have been identified including the tiny but brightly coloured disc fungus Cheilymenia theleboloides (third Scottish record).

As a novice, particularly living in a remote area, I have greatly appreciated the support of fellow mycologists on various on-line forums and the expert tuition received from Liz Holden and more recently Roy Watling.

The records (including photographs) from this project are presented on the following website – do have a look – constructive comments always welcome.

http://www.hebridensis.co.uk/Fungi/Fungi.php

Chris Johnson, March 2012