Species of the month: November

Species: Fungi

Late autumn is the ideal time for fungi to reproduce; they like moist, shady conditions and it is now that the fruiting bodies appear above ground in the shape of mushrooms and toadstools.

Unlike green plants, fungi don’t need sunlight; instead they play a vital role breaking down decaying material and turning it into soil.  This is achieved by an extensive underground root system, called a mycelium, which is the permanent part of most fungi.

The mycelium grows from a spore and can become extensive, with thread-like hyphae spreading through the soil; much like the branches of a tree turned upside down.

There are lots of different types to look for in woodland and grassland, one distinctive species is the puffball, which has a white leathery surface and can grow to the size of a football or bigger.

When struck by rain, the puffball can break open, releasing millions of microscopic spores, which appear like clouds of smoke.

This is the way in which fungi reproduce and many mushrooms have visible gills on the underside of the cap, which also release spores.

Some fungi are parasitic, the bracket fungi that you can see on the sides of trees for example.  Although many species are very tasty, there are deadly varieties out there with names such as death cap and destroying angel, which provide some clues as to their edibility!

The most familiar “toadstool” the fly agaric is a notable example; bright red with white spots, however there are other less obvious species which are poisonous, so any harvesting should be left to the experts!

How you can help

A wood pile is the ideal place for fungi, particularly after other wildlife such as beetles, woodlice and centipedes have got to work on the wood.  If you can create a wood pile in your garden, try and get hold of cheap wood fuel, rather than depleting the countryside of this valuable resource.  Pick logs with a large diameter and over the following months watch for fungi activity.

What else to look out for in November

This is the first really wintery month and on the estuaries of Kent, flocks of brent geese are a sure sign of the season.  This small, dark goose migrates to us from the Arctic Circle and will feed on eel grass, a species of sea grass which can be found in areas such as the Medway Estuary and Pegwell Bay.