MEMBERS of the Natural History Section of the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society met at Webber’s Post on Exmoor on September 19 to search for fungi. The joint leaders were Dr Philip Radford and Graham Rix. As September has been rather dry, there were not a lot of fungi to see, but even so, some very interesting specimens were collected for discussion.

The great variety of fungal groups and their importance in nature was stressed. It was pointed out that most of a fungus is present underground, as hyphal threads and mycelium, with some specimens reaching enormous dimensions. Fungi, in general, are of great importance in breaking down dead wood and vegetation, with the resulting chemical products being returned to the soil.

Several fungi of the amanita group were collected and one of the most attractive of them is known as the blusher. Fungi in this group can be highly poisonous and include the death-cap. Another poisonous amnita fungus is the panther cap, with a brown cap and white spots and a very thick, short stalk. Two species in the mysterious cortinarius group were found.

The fungus foray was thought to have been highly successful, with 24 different species identified and discussed.

The next meeting of the Natural History Section will be a walk along the River Otter. Members should meet at 11am on Saturday October 3 at the Kiln car park at Budleigh Salterton (SY074820). Leader - Dr Philip Radford.