Fungi walk at Raw Nook LNR with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust 2024
The Fungi walk at Raw Nook LNR Bradford was lead by fungi expert Kat Woolly of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
We searched for fungi in various habitats with the reserve like the meadow area, woodland containing Sliver Birch, Oak and Willow species of trees as well as a pond area.
Listen to Kat's excellent advice on fungi identification as she explains about the Milkcaps and many other species.
We find some interesting fungi on the walk...even Jelly babies!
The reserve is located in Low Moor Bradford.
Autumn is the perfect time of year to explore your local woodland for fungi – once you start looking, it’s amazing what you can find growing on rotting timber, on the woodland floor and don’t forget to look up high for brackets clinging on to trees.
Did you know?
There are two main groups of fungi: spore droppers and spore shooters. Spore droppers usually have gills or tubes underneath, where they let their spores fall to the ground to be carried by the wind - they’re more likely to be a typical mushroom shape. Spore shooters on the other hand – you guessed it – release their spores by shooting them into the air!
Why are fungi so important?
Fungi have the ability to transform nutrients in a way that makes them available for plants. Some fungi are decomposers which mean that they break down plant and animal debris, thus cycling nutrient and increasing their availability in the soil.
Benefits of fungi
Fungi are an important part of soil biodiversity, and this diverse group of organisms can help tackle global challenges, including climate change and hunger. Fungi are closely interlinked with vegetation and carbon and nutrient cycling.