Fungi
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Dorset Fungi List
Poronia punctata Nail Fungus
Photo: Bryan Edwards
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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:
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270
1154
115
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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.
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Focus on grassland fungi
Crimson Waxcap’s in unimproved grassland
Photo: Bryan Edwards
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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.
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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:
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Dorset Environmental Records Centre