Annual fungi highlights
Hericium coralloides, Chessington Surrey. A species on the S41 list and protected under the NERC ACT Fungi identification is difficult, I know, and I only move half - a - rung up the I.D. ladder each year. A tip for now is, don't be too-overly concerned with naming. Names are constantly changing with DNA analysis anyway. Follow your interests, slaving through the keys only works if you have a photographic - memory. The fungi season is short, so there are only two/three months in which to hone your skills. Of course, wild foodies are existentially incentivised, and climb a different recognition ladder. Personally, I learn best, when I have an understanding of the context:- the habitat (age and quality); fungal tree partners and close relatives (e.g. russulas and milk caps); and what it is their presence might be indicating. Understanding where an old landscape exists, is like 'protecting the tiger', ( M. Spencer ) created landscapes are not biodiverse and won't be, e...