We turned right at the cross-paths near the top of the hill and soon after we spotted an
uncommon fungus Rcdlead Roundhead Stropharia aurantiaca. At least, most older books
say it is uncommon, but recently it has been found often on wood-chip piles. However,
it is still uncommon 'in the wild', and it was appropriately admired. Nobody took a
picture at the time, but luckily Peter Comber had a picture taken at Kew (see plate 3).
Peter also found a slightly different looking Earthball, which turned out to be Leopard
Earthball Scleroderma areolatum, (see plate 4). I am very grateful to Peter for these two
images. Nearby, one person found a small blue-green mushroom with brown gills which
had a strong smell of aniseed. Yes, you have guessed, this was Aniseed Funnel Clitocybe
odora, and the finder gradually ate it as we continued.
The path continued by a heathy meadow where we found a few things such as Yellow
Clubs Clavulinopsis helvola and Scarlet Waxcap Hygrocybe coccinea. The green plants
indicated acid soil here on the sandy slope, and the area is kept in good condition by
winter grazing. Nearby, at the edge, were two bench seats, very suitable for having
lunch: the lunch we brought, that is, not just that provided by the foray!
Then we changed direction, heading north and east, to return through more old woodlands,
including a more open area with much Bracken. Here were lots of the pretty little
Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria amethystina, and then a Tawny Grisette Amanita fulva,
which was also consumed there and then. Almost back at the car park, a tuft of pale
creamy-grey Crested Coral Clavulina coralloides was in the path, making another
different sort of fungus to add to our list.
Meanwhile, other things were pointed out that only a few would ever find for themselves.
Martin Gregory fossicked about in Nettle beds and Bramble patches, as is his wont, and
he showed us numerous fascinating tiny things and recorded even more, and Brian Ecott
told us about some of the galls on leaves that we came across and a few other oddities.
Everyone contributed to a very good day. We left the car park about 3pm, having had 5
good hours. Thank you to all concerned. The list is available on request or on the
Hainault Forest website at www.hainaultforest.co.uk.
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 55, January 2008
17