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Rare Fungi Found on Village Green
25 Oct
Summary
- Eight internationally vulnerable fungi species were discovered.
- eDNA surveys revealed hidden fungal networks beneath the soil.
- The find confirmed conservation group's hopes for rare species.
Rare and endangered grassland fungi have been discovered on Melmerby's village green, marking an astonishing find for the Melmerby Conservation Group. Surveys conducted in July utilizing eDNA methods revealed the presence of eight species listed as internationally vulnerable.
These identified species include the endangered Mealy Meadowcap, ballerina waxcap, yellow foot waxcap, papillate waxcap, matt fanvault, both violet coral species, short-spored earthtongue, and black magic. The presence of both violet coral species on the same site is considered highly unusual.
Ben Challis of the Melmerby Conservation Group highlighted that eDNA surveys are effective as they detect fungal networks, known as mycelium, present beneath the soil, which are often missed by traditional searching methods. The group, established in 2000, aimed to protect the village green's biodiversity, and this discovery significantly surpasses their initial goal of achieving 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' status.
