Nature features

Fungi in the forest

On a sunny Autumn day in Boltby Forest the fungi hunters set off to see what mushrooms and toadstools they could find. They were in the very capable hands of Gordon Simpson, a qualified fungus expert.

Under his wing, the group uncovered a wide range of fungi through the forest. In all more than 40 species were collected, from the tiny Horsehair Fungus to the several of larger Russula species that look like classic toadstools. 

Several milkcaps were found that release a milky substance when broken. Edible ones seen were the cep and chanterelle. In a humorous and informative style Gordon explained how he had personally discovered a new species of fungus. 

When asked how many fungi were edible the reply was short but deadly “They all are – but some only once!”. He explained that there were many deaths from consuming poisonous fungi in other European countries, where mushroom collecting is more popular and a greater variety of fungi are eaten.

Farm animals also depend upon fungi in the gut to digest grass, and fungi are used by humans in a variety of processes from alcohol and bread production to bio-technology. There are nearly 100,000 different species known to date.

For more information on the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group events call the FWAG office in Northallerton on 01609 783632 or visit their website.

The meeting was led by leading fungus expert Gordon Simpson who's a Chairman of the North East Fungus Study Group, and has been running fungus forays for the last 25 years.

Just who is the fungus hunter?

He was born in Cropton Forest, and after two years’ National Service trained to become a forester. His interest in wildlife helped him to become one of the first foresters to develop conservation and recreation in Forestry Commission forests from 1964 to 1970. 

He was the Regional Conservation Forester covering all FC forests east of a line from London to Liverpool towards the end of his 40 years’ service. Gordon has been retained by Kielder Forest District surveying wildlife since retirement in 1993 and expects to finish the survey of the 50,000 hectares of Kielder Forests by 2010. He was awarded the MBE in 1988 for his wildlife conservation work in NE forests.