We're talking mushrooms here. I recently came across 2 different species of mushroom underneath the boughs of the silver birch tree in the far-right hand corner of the playing field. Apparently, there are over 15,000 species of fungi in the UK, of which a proportion produce the fruiting bodies we know as mushrooms. Many are similar in appearance and can be difficult to identify. I'm fairly confident I've got these common species right, but if not, definitely the family to which they belong.

So first off, what are mushrooms? Well, they are the visible part of a much larger underground system known as the mycelium which is comprised of innumerable individual filaments called hyphae This constitutes by far, the greater part of the fungus, and their complex network can extend over vast distances. The mycelium sustains the fungus by drawing nutrients from its substrate, such as the soil, or roots of trees and other plants. But the process mutually advantageous and essential to healthy soil and plant growth. Generally, the mycelium extends itself through asexual reproduction, but occasionally, when hyphae from 2 different fungi meet, their cells fuse and give rise to fruiting bodies we know as mushrooms. Mushrooms contain thousands of spores (seeds) beneath their caps, which contain genetic information from both 'parents'. The dispersal of these spores, is the means by which fungi can achieve sexual reproduction.

Mushrooms essentially comprise 3 parts; the cap, the stem (stipe) and the spore bearing tissue, most commonly found as gills or pores, beneath the cap. Gills are thin layers of tissue that hang vertically and radiate out from the stem to the edge of the cap. Sometimes they are attached to the stem, and sometimes not. They can be tightly packed or more widely spaced, and vary in colour. The pores, on the other hand, appear as small holes which are actually the openings of a series of tubes within the cap, and overall give a sponge like appearance. These, and other features, vary from species to species and are used for identification purposes. Mushrooms appear randomly, and predominantly in the autumn, with the cooler, wetter weather. These fruiting bodies generally only last a few days, or at most weeks, and having fulfilled the function of dispersing their spores, they begin to disintegrate. The underground mycelium however, continues to expand.

The 2 mushrooms I spotted are both closely associated with birch trees and represent an example of a mushroom with spores, and the other with gills.

The first is the Brown Birch Bolete (Leccinum scabrum) which occurs only in mycorrhizal association with birch trees. The Boletus genus to which this mushroom belongs, are mostly edible (but not always!) and often highly sought after, such as the Cep, also known as the porcini mushroom. They are easily identified because of the fact that they have pores rather than gills beneath the cap. Another identifying feature of this particular species of Boletus, is that there are tiny brown-black scales on the stem, which have been rather damaged in this specimen, but can still be seen in places. (See photo) Something has also been feasting on the cap, which is typically brown in colour. Although I could only find a single mushroom on this occasion, they can occur in numbers from a few up to a large troop.

Pores and tubes Spongy underside Cap and stem

The second mushroom, the Grey Milkcap (Lactarius vietus) also forms mycorrhizal associations with birch trees. This mushroom however, has gills; the main ones attaching to the stem, and shorter ones (lamellulae) that extend only half way out from the cap margin. The cap can progress from being convex to funnel shaped as seen in the photograph. This mushroom was part of a much larger group, but the picture was taken just before a number of scouts came to plant crocuses on that very spot it's a shame, but I suspect the mushrooms didn't do well in the encounter! Also, given the urgency to record this specimen, I wasn't able to check out one of the defining feature of its family, which is that they produce a milky substance whenever they're damaged. Hence the name Milkcap or Lactarius. And it is the most common mushroom family in the UK containing over 70 species.

Depressed centre Gills and Lamellulae Funnel shaped cap

Unless they are very large such as some of the bracket fungi, or very colourful, like the well- known Fly agaric, mushrooms can be easily missed. These were quite well camouflaged against the leaf litter, but it pays to keep your eyes peeled on an autumnal walk and you never know what fascinating fungi you might spot!

PS These mushrooms were unfortunately damaged in pursuit of this article and the great crocus planting. If possible they're best left alone, unless you're wanting to identify them or harvest them for eating.

Responsible foragers always gather sustainably, leaving some behind to cast their spores. But only eat mushrooms gathered from the wild if you're confident about their identity. Some species are highly poisonous.

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