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An initial survey of Duchess Wood in November 2008 identified 47 species (types) of macrofungi. Two species were particularly noteworthy: hoof fungus or tinder bracket and split gill.
Neville Kilkenny is a British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) young apprentice and his speciality is fungi. Neville spent a day in Duchess Wood identifying fungi found in different locations (habitats) and surfaces or substrates and he produced a report which notes his key findings and recommendations for managing Duchess Wood to assist in maintaining as well as developing the diversity of fungi in the wood.
Hoof fungus or tinder bracket, as it is otherwise known, was an unexpected find in Duchess Wood. Although this is a common fungus, it is usually found in north-eastern Scotland and only one other record of this species has been made in Argyll and Bute, and that was in Loch Lomond 28 years ago!
Split gill was also found in an unusual location, but not so much on where but on what. Split gill usually grows on modified substrates, such as silage, straw bales or exotic imported timber. However, this fungus was found growing on a natural, unmodified substrate – in this case a felled sycamore tree.
Neville noted that “the majority of species recorded were found on lignicolous substrates [dead wood], which would be expected for the time of year when the survey was undertaken”. He went onto note that “it also reflects a favourable quantity of dead wood habitat being available within the site”.
Neville will be returning to Duchess Wood on 22 August 2009 to do another survey of the wood, but this time focusing on fruiting species of fungus that will be found at that time of the year. He will also be leading a ‘fungal foray’ where he will teach fungal identification skills to participants.
If you are interested in finding out more about the fungal foray, please email fodwg84@fodw.org.uk, or watch this space!
See wildlife Checklist page to download the Fungi Checklist. | 
