6th September 2010 - Stockport, Cheshire - Albugo candidans seen growing on Shepherds Purse.

4th September 2010 - Etherow CP, Stockport, Cheshire - A reccie before the season starts proper showed that many mushrooms can't wait for the Fungalpunk walks and have started fruiting in earnest. Hang on 'shrooms hang on! Ben Gillespie of Fungal Friends joined me and my two good ladies and came up with a few choice finds. As well as what was seen two days ago the following species were added:- Peniophora quercina; Helvella lacunosa; Lactarius pyrogalus; Leccinum scabrum; Boletus luridus; Scleroderma citrinum; Scleroderma verrucosum; Clitocybe odora; Coprinus micaceus; Lycoperdon perlatum; Psathyrella candolleana; Leccinum versipelle; Lactarius turpis; Otidea alutacea and Tarzetta catinus.

After prolonged microscopic work on the Tarzetta species a decision was reached that catinus is the species. The width of the spores never exceeded 13μm and so after examining paraphyses and considering habitat the end conclusion was made. However I feel this complex to be rather vague somewhat and am open to advice as to what the distinguishing factors are that other people use.

2nd September 2010 - Etherow CP, Stockport, Cheshire - Whilst working with the Young Carers time was taken to ponder a few fungal specimens. The list was sketchy due to many voices calling my name but here's what I managed to remember:- Polyporus squammosus; Russula nigricans; Lactarius blennius; Hygrocybe psittacina; Laccaria laccata; Laccaria amethysea; Suillus grevellei; Clavulina cristata; Amanita fulva; Amanita rubescens; Boletus erythropus; Trametes gibbosa; Helvella crispa; Phallus impudicus; Russula ochroleuca; Amanita muscaria; Lactarius pubescens; Leotia lubrica; Tricholoma sciodes; Coprinus micaceus; Armillaria gallica and Daedaleopsis confragosa.

1st September 2010 - Fleetwood, Lancashire - A cluster of Coprinopsis atramentaria was seen in grassland near the sea shore.

28 August 2010 -Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - A second mooch on my 45th was much more fruitful with the following species noted:- Daedaleopsis confragosa; Meripilus giganteus; Clitopilus prunulus; Rhytisma acerinum; Piptoporus betulinus; Trametes gibbosa; Stereum hirsutum; Bjerkandera adusta; Hypholoma fasiculare; Ananita excelsa var. spissa; Paxillus involutus; Psathyrella candolleana; Boletus badius; Collybia peronata; Ganoderma resinaceum; Tremella aurantia; Lycoperdon perlatum; Mycena acicula; Scleroderma citrinum; Marasmius rotula; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Crepidotis cesatii; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Russula nigricans and Datronia mollis.

28 August 2010 -Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - A wander on my birthday was good but brought little in the way of fungal surprises. The lowly list comprised of:- Rhytisma acerinum; Coprinus lagopus; Crepidotus mollis; Hyphodontia sambuccii; Marasmius oreades; Pholiota connisans; Coprinus lagopus and Laccaria laccata.

24 August 2010 - Durlston CP, Dorset - Agaricus macrosporus was seen in a recently cut field. Amazingly the smell of crushed almonds disappeared after the first day.

24 August 2010 - Lulworth Cove, Dorset - A nice patch of Boletus luridus was seen on the hillside towards Durdle Door.

22 August 2010 - Thorncombe Woods, Dorset - A wander in the pouring rain resulted in:- Paxillus involutus; Hypholoma fasiculare; Phallus impudicus; Psathyrella candolleana; Scleroderma citrinum; Tubaria furfuracea; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Amanita rubescens; Calocera viscosa; Amanita fulva; Russula ochroleuca; Ganoderma australe; Collybia dryophila; Pluteus cervinus; Trametes versicolor; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Gymnopilus penetrans; Marasmius rotula; Piptoporus betulinus; Mycena galopus and Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca.

16 August 2010 - Banks, New Forest, Hampshire - A nice sighting of Paxillus atrotomentosus was had whilst returning back to the lighthouse.

16 August 2010 - Eyeworth, New Forest, Hampshire - A wander with Hampshpire Fungus Group member Sue Rogerson resulted in the finding of:- Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Laccaria laccata; Psathyrella candolleana; Parasola patoulliardii; Laetiporus sulphureus; Paneolus semiovatus; Trametes gibbosa; Pleaurotus ostreatus; Ganoderma australe; Amanita rubescens; Hericeum cirrhatum; Pluteus cervinus; Scleroderma citrinum; Russula nigricans; Volviarella bombycina var. flaviceps; Russula puellaris; Collybia fusipes; Daedalea quercina; Piptoporus quercinus; Clitopilus prunulus; Mycena galericulata; Amanita fulva; Ployporus leptocephalus; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Coprinellus disseminatus; Marasmius rotula; Boletus rubellus; Boletus appendiculatus; Collybia dryophila; Russula anthrocina; Russula virescens; Polyporus tuberaster; Russula vesca; Boletus cisalpinus; Boletus chrysenteron; Tubaria furfuracea and Tricholoma ustaloides. Thanks to Sue and Alan Lucas for many ID's.

17 August 2010 - Pigs Bush, New Forest, Hampshire - A quick shuftie at some burnt Gorse came up with Daldinia fissa.

16 August 2010 - Rufus Stone, New Forest, Hampshire - A quick mooch came up with Pleurotus ostreatus; Trochila ilicina and Pluteus cervinus - poor or what!

9 August 2010 - Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire - A troop of Russula pectinoides and a couple of Boletus rubellus were poking through the local churchyards grass.

8 August 2010 - Nunsmere Hall, Cheshire - A two hour visit resulted in a few species noted but much microscopic work needed afterwards. The list comprised of:- Boletus badius; Amanita rubescens; Hypoxylon multiforme; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Boletus chrysenteron; Rickenella fibula; Rickenella swartzii; Marasmius rotula; Russula xeramplina; Boletus porosporus; Scleroderma verrucosum; Paxillus involutus; Helvella lacunosa; Boletus edulis; Coprinus comatus; Geastrum triplex; Agaricus xanthoderma; Leccinum scabrum and Clitopilus prunulus. Loads of Russulas but time, and the complexity of the genus, are the enemies and whether I add any more to this list is anyone's guess.

5 August 2010 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire - As part of the 'Bug Day For Beginners' a few mushies were thrown in for extra entertainment. The list was:- Stereum hirsutum; Boletus chrysenteron; Lepiota cristata; Rhytisma acerinum; Trochila ilicina; Marasmius oreades; Agrocybe rivulosa; Laccaria laccata; Calvatia gigantea; Coprinus lagopus; Rickenella fibula; Fistulina hepatica; Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca; Boletus badius; Gymnopolis penetrans; Mycena acicula; Leccinum variicolor; Scleroderma verrucosum; Pluteus cervinus; Mycena swartzii; Amanita fulva; Phallus impudicus; Tapinella panuoides and Amanita rubescens. One Giant Puffball was taken for tea from a group of five. As always the advice is only take a little and let nature look after its crop for the following years.

3 August 2010 - Etherow CP, Stockport; Cheshire - A wander with my daughter was used as a reccie to try and get my eye in with a few species before the forthcoming season of forays begins. It was a grand day and this is what we came up with:- Amanita rubescens; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Rhytisma acerinum; Polyporus squamosus; Laccaria amethystea; Hypomyces chrysosperma; Laccaria laccata; Marasmius ramealis; Piptoporus betulinus; Mycena galopus; Polyporus floccipes; Bjerkandera adusta; Scleroderma citrinum; Suillus grevellei; Hypholoma fasiculare; Rickenella fibula; Boletus erythropus; Phallus impudicus; Lepiota cristata; Auricularia auricula-judae; Hyphodontia sambucii; Marasmius rotula; Postia stiptica; Calocera cornea; Crepidotus mollis; Trametes versicolor; Gomphidius maculatus; Xylaria carpophila; Stereum hirsutum; Trochila ilicina; Paxillus involutus; Boletus luridus; Boletus chrysenteron; Stereum gausapatum; Coprinellus disseminatus; Ganoderma australe; Oxyporus populinus and the myxomycete Lycogala terrestre.

Paxillus validus was noticed in Stockport in the same place as last year. A real sturdy stem on this species.

2 August 2010 - Stockport; Cheshire - A couple of specimens of Agaricus bitorquis were noted on the walk home from work

1 August 2010 -Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - Another quick shuftie around this area with the list as follows:- Marasmius oreades; Marasmius ramealis; Marasmius rotula; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Bjerkandera adusta; Hyphodontia sambuccii; Lacrymaria lacrymabunda; Auricularia auricula-judae; Xerula radicata; Pholiota connisans; Rhytisma acerinum; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Parasola leiocephala; Coprinopsis lagopus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Boletus radicans; Parasola plicatilis; Agaricus xanthoderma; Polyporus leptocephalus; Psathyrella conopilus; Psathyrella spadiceogrisea and Bolbitius titubans.

30 July 2010 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - Amanita rubescens; Amanita fulva; Phallus impudicus; Heterobasidion annosum; Pluteus cervinus; Dacrymyces stillatus; Auriscalpium vulgare; Paxillus involutus; Kuehneromyces mutabilis; Boletus chrysenteron and Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca were enjoyed as the fungal season proper approaches.

30 July 2010 - Martin Mere, Lancashire - A few species seen whilst on a working trip were Pleurotus ostreatus; Laetiporus sulphureus; Hirschioporus abietinus; Psathyrella candolleana and Coprinus disseminatus.

29 July 2010 - Fletcher Moss, Greater Manchester - Trametes gibbosa; Mycena acicula; Marasmius rotula; Marasmius ramealis; Coprinopsis lagopus and Rhytisma acerinum were noted on a quickish visit. After various microscopic investigations and internet browsing also added were Psathyrella piluliformis (ex. P. hydrophila); Parasola leiocephala and Pholiota connisans.

26 July 2010 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - A stroll after work came up with a nice patch of Psathyrella candolleana; a clump of strong smelling Clitopilus prunulus; a couple of specimens of Phallus impudicus; freshly emerged Stereum hirsutum; the usual Ganoderma resinaceum and a fresh Volvariella bombycina. The latter was on a dead Horse Chestnut tree. Also found was some new patches of Rhytisma acerinum on sycamore leaves.

22 July 2010 - Stockport, Cheshire - 2 wealthy groups of Psathyrella candolleana were noted.

21 July 2010 - Alexander Park, Stockport, Cheshire - A brace of Agaricus augustus (The Prince) mushrooms were noted growing from woodchip whilst walking home from work.

18 July 2010 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, Greater Manchester - A 2 hour stroll was had primarily to meet up with a new Fungal Friends member (Ben Gillespie) and say 'hello'. This was duly done and fungal specimens were sought. Despite the rain it is still a little early although an impressive batch of Boletus Albidus (now known as B. radicans I believe) was shown to us by Ben which was worth the trip alone. One specimen must have been at least 28cm across which is some going. Cheers mate. Other than that Mycena acicula; Trametes gibbosa; Marasmius rotula; Calocera cornea; Stereum hirsutum and Daedaleopsis confragosa was all that was seen. Later I readily identified the Fairy Ring Champignon (Marasmius oreades) a 'shroom I have a mental block with and never feel confident enough to ID in the field.

11 July 2010 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - Several new specimens of Ganoderma resinaceum were appearing on an old Oak log and will be monitored for changes. I am always questionning my identifications and have a slight niggle over this specimen.

10 July 2010 - Chadkirk Chapel, Stockport, Cheshire - Perhaps the most out of touch I have been with fungi for a long time with the dry weather not helping it was nice to turn up a Beefsteak Fungus on Oak and a solitary specimen of Coprinus domesticus on dusty woodchip.

5 June 2010 - River Dee, Cheshire - Mooching around for Odonata species resulted in the finding of Puccinia urticata on Nettle and Puccinia punctiformis on Thistle.

30 May 2010 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - Tootling about looking at flowers resulted in the following rust fungi being spotted:- Puccinia sessilis; Uromyces ficariae; Puccinia pulverulentum; Puccinia urticata; Rhopographus filicinus and Melampsorella symphyti. The exceedingly rare smut Microbotryum marginalis was located on Bistort leaves.

29 May 2010 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - Phragmidium Violaceum was found on Bramble stems whilst collecting caterpillar food. Confirmation via examination of the spores was made later.

21 May 2010 - Summer Leys NR, Northamptonshire - Melampsorella symphyti was frequent on Comfrey all over this reserve.

16 May 2010 - River Mersey; Stockport; Cheshire - Puccinia aegopodii was located beneath the leaves of Ground Elder.

14 May 2010 - Alexander Park, Stockport; Cheshire - Puccinia vincae was found on the leaves of Greater Periwinkle whilst wandering to work.

6 May 2010 - Davenport, Stockport; Cheshire - A healthy ring of St Georges Mushrooms (Calocybe gambosa) were found in a garden but I refrained from taking them for edible usage as they looked so nice where they were.

2 May 2010 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - Polyporus squammosus; Coprinopsis atramentaria; Piptoporus betulinus and some old Calvatia gigantea were noted as well as the micro fungi Triphragmium ulmariae; Uromyces ficariae; Puccinia sessilis and Puccinia urticata.

24 April 2010 - Risley Moss, Warrington; Cheshire - Phragmidium violaceum was identified on the stems of Brambles. The generally spaced spines on the spores confirmed the identification.

21 April 2010 - Alexander Park, Stockport; Cheshire - A dead trunk covered in Trametes gibbosa has now been joined by 3 clumps of the myxomycete Reticularia lycoperdon; 2 of which were in the powdery brown spore releasing stage.

18 April 2010 - River Mersey, Stockport; Cheshire - Puccinia sessilis was noted on the leaves of Ramsons.

14 April 2010 - Stockport, Cheshire - Puccinia lagenophorae was spotted by my eagle eyes growing upon the leaves of Groundsel.

13 April 2010 - Torkington Park, Cheshire - A new one for me - Cumminsiella mirabilissima otherwise known as Mahonia Rust was seen on as expected Mahonia.

10 April 2010 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - A great wander with little to show. Sarcoscypha austriaca; Uromyces ficariae and Trametes gibbosa were all that were seen although we were slightly distracted by doing a bird-watching list.

5 April 2010 - Risley Moss, Cheshire - Primarily a relaxing stroll with nothing special in mind to see. Daedalea quercina; Sarcoscypha austriaca and a few usual suspects were all that was spotted.

4 April 2010 - Anglesey - Pottering about resulted in the finding of Puccinia smyrnii - a micro-fungi on the leaves of Alexanders.

3 April 2010 - Chorlton WP, G. Mancester - Vuillemina comedens; Auricularia mesenterica and Coprinus micaceus were all in reasonable condition on yet another birding trip. Uromyces dactylidis was located on Lesser Celandine leaves which I guess is more luck than skill.

2 April 2010 - Eaves Wood, Lancashire - Just Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor in fruit and looking not too bad considering the weather.

2 April 2010 - Leighton Moss, Lancashire - A birding day to be honest but Sarcoscypha austriaca.and Daedaleopsis confragosa were noted.

30 March 2010 - River Mersey, Stockport; Cheshire - Searching for micro fungi with my daughter resulted in the finding of the ubiquitous Rhopographus filicinus on old Bracken stems.

28 March 2010 - Abney Hall, Cheshire - Just struggling to get out at all lately due to our ever-busy lifestyles so a quick circular walk around our local area resulted in us ending up here and heading home. On the way Ganoderma resinaceum; Daldinia concentrica; Stereum hirsutum and the micro fungi Uromyces muscari were noted. The latter is otherwise known as Bluebell Rust and can be found on the leaves of the host plant with a little effort.

22 March 2010 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - Nowt much about with a small cluster of Polyporus brumalis and a few layers of Gloeophyllum sepiarium the only sightings.

15 March 2010 - Moore NR, Cheshire - Primarily a birding walk but with a few shrivelled specimens still hanging on as well as a few common brackets. However 197 cups of Scarlet Elf Cup were a good find with them later confirmed as Sarcoscypha coccinea. Add to this further discussions and advice and a long re-consideration and I am now convinced that the finds were indeed the commoner Sarcoscypha austriaca. Apparently this species has microscopic curly hairs on the cuticle on the outside of the cup and yet the ones I found were straight. Just one big bloody headache if you ask me! Some rather large Pleurotus ostreatus seemed to be defying the dry conditions too.

7 March 2010 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - A wander with a few Friends resulted in a smallish list with Daldinia concentrica; Scarcoscypha austriaca; Exidia glandulosa; Polyporus brumalis; Auricularia mesenterica; Tremella foliacea; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Piptoporus betulinus; Trametes versicolor and Auricularia auricula-judae the only finds.

16 February 2010 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - Whilst doing a bit of birding the following fungi were noted:- Nectria cinnabarina; Ascocoryne sarcoides; Hypoxylon fragiforme; Rhytisma acerinum; Exidia glandulosa; Trametes gibbosa; Daldinia concentrica; Auricularia auricula-judae; Dacrymces stillatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Stereum hirsutum; Trametes versicolor; Xylaria hypoxylon and Flammulina velutipes.

15 February 2010 - River Mersey, Stockport; Cheshire - An unidentified log held fresh specimens of Flammulina velutipes; Pluerotus ostreatus and Bjerkandera adusta.

7 February 2010 - Moore NR, Cheshire - 1 Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austriaca) was spotted by my good lady with with Xylaria polymorpha; Flammulina velutipes; Chondrostereum purpureum; Auricularia auricula-judae; Daedaleopsis confragosa; Piptoporus betulinus; Stereum hirsutum and Vuillemina comedens making up a small list.

31 January 2010 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A hopeless fungi start to the year continued with more snow keeping things difficult and with only Pleurotus ostreatus; Bjerkandera adusta; Trametes versicolor; Auricularia auricula-judae; Hapalopilus nidulans; Dacrymyces stillatus; Flammulina velutipes; Stereum hirsutum and Ganoderma resinaceum seen.