We love fungi

Nidderdale Moorland Group
Fungi play a significant role in our ecosystems by recycling nutrients found in dead organic matter such as leaf litter, dead wood and humus rich soils, and autumn is the best time of year to see many of these fascinating species of 'Protozoa'.

The main body of most fungi is hidden from view, a mass of fine threads known as mycelium, which permeates rotting wood, leaf litter and soil.

The mushrooms and toadstools we see above ground are the fungal fruiting bodies whose role it is to produce and disperse spores.

With the return of warm, damp weather many species of fungi have been popping up and our gamekeepers have been sending in some fantastic pictures this week of different species as they go about their work on the moors and in our upland woods.

Some are tiny and easily missed, whilst others are colourful and readily recognised, such as the scarlet red Fly Agaric.

Many species are highly poisonous and should not be touched.