Funga: Long Meadow
Given that Long Meadow has not been ploughed for many years, if ever, the general lack of grassland fungi is interesting. Nevertheless, a “fairy ring” at the west end of the Meadow – possibly formed of Field blewit (Lepista saeva) is of note. In 2024 a few Yellow fieldcap (Bolbitius titubans) were found on the edge of the grassland at the Abbey Farm end.
Several species have been found on both living and dead wood. These presence of the root-rotting Brittle Cinder (Kretzschhmaria deusta) precipitated the felling of one of the statuesque horse chestnuts in 2024.
Species like Dryad's saddle (Cerioporus squamosus) found on other horse chestnuts adds to the biodiversity: a minor infestation is not a safety concern. On one horse chestnut there is a Giant elm bracket (Rigidoporous ulmarius) which has the potential to develop a fruiting body of impressive size.
Yellow Fieldcap
The elegant stump of the old sycamore at the west end of the Meadow exhibits several interesting fungal forms. These include Artist's bracket (Ganoderma applanatum), Sulphur tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare) and Jelly ear (Auricularia auricula-judae).
The mulch used to suppress weeds around the saplings planted in the Park Lane hedge has supported several (as yet to be identified) species, in good numbers too. It will be interesting to see if over the years such species continue to be present.
