Fungi Foray 2024

On the 5th November 16 people turned up at Ryde Cemetery to join in a Fungi Foray, led by Dr Colin Pope.  Because of the rather wet conditions this year it was hoped to see a good variety, and we weren’t disappointed.

The foray on Tuesday proved to be very successful. Fungi are notoriously fickle but on this occasion, the grassland fungi put on a magnificent show. Particularly noteworthy were the waxcap fungi, brightly coloured fungi which are characteristic of old, unimproved grassland.  We found nine different species, varying in colours from scarlet, orange and yellow to luminous green. We also saw several different coral fungi and earth tongues, also characteristic of old grassland. Less welcome were clumps of Honey Fungus which can, and already has, brought about the death of several trees and is almost impossible to control. We were delighted to find a species of Boletus which is new to the Island. Ryde Cemetery is a very special place for grassland fungi.

A full list of the species found can be seen on our nature page here