Fungi

Dorset Fungi List

Poronia punctata: Nail Fungus

Poronia punctata Nail Fungus

Photo: Bryan Edwards

The first complete list of fungi for Dorset was published in the Flora of Dorset. The list reflects the recording effort in the county, with the west relatively well-worked by John Keylock and the Southern Fungus Recording Group. The Dorset Fungus Group has concentrated mainly on the east of the county.

The list for the county stands as follows:

  • Ascomycetes:
  • Basidiomycetes:
  • Myxomycetes:
270
1154
115

As there is no resident mycologist in the county the list is only provisional and more records are always welcome, particularly of Ascomycetes.

Several important species have been added to the Dorset list recently including a internationally significant population of the Biodiversity Priority Species Buglossosporus pulvinus Oak Polypore found on old oaks in the east of the county. Another Priority Species, Poronia punctata Nail Fungus, has become established on two heathland sites with the re-introduction of pony grazing to the heaths. One species hit the headlines of the local press, Astraeus hygrometricus Barometer Earthstar, was found in a site in Poole, and is one of the few recent records for this species in the UK. It was a very good autumn generally for earthstar’s with many received in the DERC office.

Focus on grassland fungi

Crimson Waxcap’s in unimproved grassland

Crimson Waxcap’s in unimproved grassland

Photo: Bryan Edwards

Old grasslands have long been recognised as an important habitat for plants and insects, but more recently their importance for fungi has been highlighted. Autumn 2004 has been a particularly good season for grassland species.

One group of fungi particularly associated with unimproved grasslands are the very attractive waxcaps (genus Hygrocybe). From the limited survey work carried out so far in the county it is apparent there are a number of important sites such as Corfe Common, Hog Cliff, Kingcombe Meadows and parts of the Lulworth Ranges. Along with the waxcaps other grassland specialists may be found including Clavulinopsis species, Geoglossum species (earth-tongues) and on dung Coprinus species (Ink Caps). Most of these species are visible from the end of August through to the first hard frosts in November.

Who To Contact

If you would like to send in your fungi records, or for further information on how you can become involved, please contact:
Surveyor: Bryan Edwards
E-mail: Enquiries@derc.org.uk
Telephone: 01305 228520