Fascinating fungi

From chicken of the woods and King Alfred’s cakes, to pink ballerinas and scarlet elf cups, there are more than 15,000 curiously named fungi species in the UK, making up an entire kingdom of their own.

Autumn is the best time to go in search of fungi and you may well be surprised at just how many you find!

As well as many delicious wild mushrooms, fungi also include some of our most poisonous species, aptly named species such as the sickener, poison pie, death cap and the destroying angel.

NEVER touch or eat any fungi you find unless you are 100% certain about their identity. Unless you are with an expert, it is best to leave mushrooms where you find them - that way, others can enjoy their beauty. If you're unsure on the species, take a photo and identify it at home later.

We have plenty of fungi foray events happening this autumn led by local experts. Check out out events page to join one near you.

The fruiting body that we see above ground is only one small part of a fungi. Underground hides mycelium, a vegetative mass made up of hundreds or even thousands of fine threads that can spread over long distances.

In fact, a honey fungus species with a mycelium network measuring 2.4 miles across in the Blue Mountains in Oregon is thought to be the largest living organism on Earth!

Many fungi species have a symbiotic relationship with plants and trees. Fungi mycelium can capture water and nutrients that are out of reach of plants and trees, bringing them close to their roots. The roots take water and nutrients from the fungi and in return give sugars made during photosynthesis.

Download our fungi spotter guides below and make a fun, family trail from your autumn woodland walk.