Heath Common Fungal Foray

Sunday 21st October 2018

Leader: Francis Hickenbottom

Nine people met for this fungi foray in lovely autumn sunshine, three from the Bradford Botany Group and six from Mid-Yorkshire Fungus Group, at Heath Common, just south-east of Wakefield. This common was saved from being closed by Charles Waterton, a pioneering 19th century conservationist. The leader of the trip, Francis, explained how Gypsies graze their horses on the Common and that that is a good thing, as they keep the grassland habitats open. He also said that the Common is a good place for Adder’s-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) and told us about the Peregrines nesting on the spire of Wakefield cathedral. We were treated to good views across to Wakefield from the Common.

One of the fungal highlights of the trip was the abundance of False Chanterelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca), an attractive, orange-yellow fungus which is common on heaths. Roger Phillips says, in his identification guide, Mushrooms: ‘It is said to be edible, but has been known to cause alarming symptoms, such as hallucination, in some cases.’

A few definitely edible species were found, including Field Mushroom (Agaricus campestris) and Field Blewit (Lepista saeva). The latter has bluish-lilac coloured stems and is often found in rings in pastures. Later on, a large Cep, or Penny Bun (Boletus edulis) was found. This species is said to have an excellent flavour. It can also reach a large size – the specimen found on this trip was a good example of that.

A few species of fungi were found on the horse dung that was scattered around the site, including a species of Inkcap (Coprinus sp.) and Dung Roundhead (Stropharia semiglobata). The latter species has blotchy gills and a yellowy cap.

Oakbug Milkcap (Lactarius quietus) was seen more than once. Philips says that the milk of this species has a smell that is slightly oily or suggests bugs. A patch of The Deceiver (Laccaria laccata) was found fairly early on in the excursion - this species is so named because it is very variable in appearance and so often difficult to recognise at first sight. Later on, the Shaggy Parasol was found. The flesh of this species bruises red-orange very easily and the shaggy, torn appearance of the cap is caused by the cap breaking up into scales.

Other fungi species seen included Clouded Agaric (Clitocybe nebularis), Butter Cap (Collybia butyracea), which is easily recognised by the buttery feel of the cap and Deer Shield (Pluteus cervinus).

There were still some vascular plants out in flower, including a beautiful Musk Mallow (Malva moschata) and a few plants out in flower in and around a pond, including New Zealand Pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii), Tufted Forget-me-not (Myosotis laxa) and Grey Club-rush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani).

This was a very enjoyable day at a site with some very good views. We didn’t see the Waxcap fungi that were hoped for, but still saw quite a number of species, all the same.