Fungi are such an amazing part of the natural world! They act as decomposers, breaking down dead plant and animal matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. This process really enriches ecosystems, helping plants grow and keeping nature in balance.

Plus, fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, helping them absorb water and minerals from the soil. Exploring the world of fungi is not only fascinating but also shows just how vital they are to our environment.

In the UK, fungi thrive in all sorts of habitats, with woodlands being one of the best places to check out. Decaying leaves, fallen logs, and the damp forest floor create perfect conditions for many species, like fly agarics and puffballs. You can also spot fungi in grasslands, along riverbanks, and even in mountainous areas, where you’ll find species like waxcaps and earthstars. Places like the New Forest, the Peak District, and Scotland’s Cairngorms are known for their fantastic variety of fungi. The best time to hunt for these little wonders is from late summer through autumn, especially after some rain when mushrooms pop up quickly. While you can find fungi all year round, the autumn months, particularly from September to November, are when you’re most likely to see a wide range of species.

Woodlands in the UK are buzzing with different species of fungi, many of which have special relationships with certain types of trees. Here are some of the more common ones you might come across:

• Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria): You can’t miss this one with its bright red cap and white spots! It’s often found under birch trees, as well as pine and spruce. This mycorrhizal fungus forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots of these trees and usually appears from late summer to autumn, peaking in September and October.

• Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius): These golden, trumpet-shaped mushrooms love hanging out with broadleaf trees like beech and oak, as well as conifers like pine. You’ll find them on mossy, damp forest floors, especially from late summer to early autumn, usually between July and October.

• Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea): This parasitic fungus goes after the roots of many trees, including oak, birch, and beech. It produces clusters of golden-brown mushrooms that pop up in autumn, typically from September through November. While it can cause tree decay, it’s also a common sight in UK woodlands.

• King Alfred’s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica): These black, charcoal-like fungi often grow on dead or decaying ash trees, but you might spot them on beech or other hardwoods too. They look like little lumps of coal and can be seen year-round, but they really stand out in autumn and winter when the leaves have fallen.

• Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare): With its bright yellow-green cap and dense clusters, the sulphur tuft loves to grow on decaying wood, especially in mixed woodlands with conifers and broadleaf trees. You’ll see this species particularly from late summer to autumn (August to November).

• Earthstar (Geastrum triplex): You can find these mainly in autumn, from September to November. They thrive in woodlands, especially in areas with rich, decaying leaf litter or sandy soils. Look for them under trees like pine and oak or along grassy edges of woodland paths. They prefer undisturbed, shaded spots and can sometimes be found in parklands or gardens with similar conditions. Keep an eye out for their unique star-like shape after rain, which helps them release their spores.

• Common Inkcap (Coprinopsis atramentaria): These guys pop up from late spring through autumn, typically between May and October. They love nutrient-rich habitats, including grassy areas, woodlands, gardens, and even urban settings like roadsides and lawns. You’ll often find them in clusters on decaying wood, tree stumps, or in damp soil rich in organic matter. They’re especially abundant after rainfall, making them easier to spot during those wetter months.

• Shaggy Parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes): You can find these from late summer to autumn, usually between August and November. They grow in various habitats, including woodland edges, gardens, parks, and grassy areas, often near coniferous or deciduous trees. These mushrooms prefer rich, well-drained soils and are commonly found in shaded or semi-shaded spots. Look for their distinctive shaggy, scaly caps, especially after rain, as moisture helps them grow.

Each of these fungi plays an important role in the woodland ecosystem, either by forming symbiotic relationships with trees or breaking down dead wood, enriching the forest floor. While autumn is the peak season for spotting many of these species, some, like King Alfred’s Cakes, can be found all year round.

These are only a few of the amazing mushrooms to be discovered this Autumn and we would love to see your finds. We recently started our October Photo Challenge, ffwng, if you would like to find out how you can get involved head over to our blog or check out our instagram.