Macro-fungi

Fungi attain their greatest diversity in woodlands, due primarily to the numerous niches in woodland ecosystems within which they play an essential, nutrient-recycling role. The three main groups of woodland fungi are the leaf- and litter-rotters, the wood-rotters, and mycorrhizal fungi, i.e. those which are associated with living trees in mutualistic relationships.

Helvella crispa (White Saddle) in woodland soil.
Saddle fungi appear in woodland soil, particularly beside footpaths. They are often quite inconspicuous among woodland leaf litter.

Lycoperdon pyriforme (Stump Puffball) on rotting beech stump.
Appears in groups on rotten logs or stumps. Sometimes appears to grow in soil, but is actually attached to buried wood in these cases.

barna woods through the seasons