September and the autumn months are a great time to get out and look for some really interesting fungi. We are lucky enough to have some great sites right on our doorstep.Waxcaps are globally important largely due to their dependence on ancient pastures and unimproved grasslands which are becoming extremely rare. There are approximately 50 species of waxcap recorded in Britain, the majority of which are found in grassland.

Waxcaps belong to a group of mushrooms known for their waxy and shiny-looking cups. They come in a variety of different colours including vibrant pinks, yellows, greens and reds. Together with other types of fungi called pinkgills, earthtongues, club and coral fungi, they form an assemblage called “waxcap grassland fungi”.

Last year we spent a few days learning about and surveying waxcap fungi on Nard Head and Dodman Point. We had a total of 18 species on Nare Head and over 20 on the Dodman which make them both nationally important sites for waxcaps.

My favourite was the Parrot waxcap, a rainbow of colour and utterly beautiful. The photograph here is another common species ‘Golden waxcap’.

If you’re out and about take a moment to look down and see if you can spot any vivid coloured waxcaps in the grass. Get down close and take a really good look, they are beautiful! You could also look on your lawn, heathland, dunes or local cemetery. Plantlife have produced a great leaflet to take out in the field with you and also join in with a great citizen science project called ‘Waxcap Watch’. See their website for more details.

Finally, a quick update on the Roseland Ranger team. We have recruited two new members of staff who have now started helping keep the Roseland magnificent for all to enjoy. Ruby Mitchell is our new Ranger and Aaron Claxton is our new Area Ranger. Please come and say hi if you see us out and about or contact roseland@nationaltrust.org.uk