Why there's something a little bit magic about toadstools

Autumn is the time when toadstools often appear on the lawn.

These fungi do very little damage to grassed areas. For most of us, simply brushing the toadstools off the grass with a besom is sufficient control as they stop appearing when really cold weather arrives.

If the toadstools appear in a straight line then they are probably feeding on a dead tree root. This can be dug out and the void replaced with new soil so that the surface can be firmed down flat.

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If the toadstools are in a circle, then this is probably a fairy ring. This form of fungus doesn't live on the grass or other obvious host, but spreads outwards as a dark green ripple in a circular shape, getting bigger and bigger each year.

The fungi tend to deprive the grass inside the ring of moisture, making the soil almost waterproof and turning the lawn brown.

Spiking the area will help the grass roots get moisture, but if the infection is severe, dig out the ring to a depth of at least 30cm (1ft) and replace with fresh soil. Allow the soil to settle, level with more soil and then reseed.

Meanwhile, something slightly more fungi friendly can be seen at Dove Stone, the Saddleworth beauty spot – bright-red fly agaric.

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And more people than ever before throughout the UK will enjoy looking at fungi this autumn, according to the RSPB.

The wildlife charity believes that the wet summer and mild autumn so far will mean a bumper year for fungi.

Veiled poisonpie, curry milkcap and chicken of the woods may sound like food ingredients that would give you a serious stomach ache, but they are just some of the types of fungi that are in their full glory in the countryside at the moment.

Rachel Downham, Dove Stone's information assistant, says: "Fungi are fascinating. Species that have been seen at Dove Stone include a variety of waxcap, puffball and others such as golden spindles and the fascinating fly agaric that we all recognise from storybooks.

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"And unlike some wildlife, you are guaranteed to see them, as they are everywhere at this time of year, especially after the recent wet conditions.

"It's great that so many people are becoming aware of this unsung natural spectacle."

In addition to fungi, visitors to Dove Stone this autumn can enjoy a whole host of birds and mammals, including mountain hares, birds on their migration journey, as well as resident peregrines.

To find out more about fungi at Dove Stone, including details of a fungi foray on Saturday, November 6, at 10.30am, visit www.rspb.org.uk/dovestone

YP MAG 30/10/10

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