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Fungus records

Why?    We keep records of the fungi we have found and identified in our region throughout the year. This is an important part of the group's work as it help us to build an ever more accurate picture of the fungi found in our area. We can then compare that with what's happening elsewhere in the UK. What are the common species? Are these changing over time? Which species occur in Mid-Yorkshire but are rare elsewhere, and vice versa?  What are the significant environmental factors in species distribution? The ecological information provided,  when combined with that recorded by other fungus groups, contributes to a wider understanding which can be very important eg in the conservation of endangered species.

What?    We record:

	where the fungus was found (including the grid reference for the site)
	the date of the find
	the scientific name of the fungus
	any associated vegetation eg is the fungus is growing in association with any particular type(s) of tree?
	the substrate/medium ie what the fungus is growing on eg wood, another fungus, unimproved grassland, leaf litter, dung etc
	who found the fungus
	who identified the fungus (if not the finder)
	any other information

How?    Group members send details of any finds they have made, whether individually or on forays, to the MYFG Recorder. The Recorder enters and stores the records on a computer database, sends a copy to the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union and the British Mycological Society, and produces the following reports over the year:

	a list of the species found at each group foray
	quarterly summaries of records for our newsletter
	a yearbook summarising records for the year

Rare specimens   We never advocate picking specimens you know to be rare. However, if you have a specimen which you feel requires an expert opinion:

	make sure you note down a full description of it
	preserve the specimen by drying it gently. You can dry fungus on a piece of paper over a radiator (where it is safe to do so). Then put it in a freezer bag and freeze for at least 3 weeks to kill off any invertebrates
	then pass on the specimen and the description to an expert

 

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This page last updated 12/07/08 .