Natural riches at Ground Level

The Morels at the Hills and Holes were not the only “ground-level” items of interest during this (cold) start to May. To illustrate that an evening with the Langdyke Trust showcases not only the planned nightingales, warblers and owls, but also many other riches of our local limestone habitat………

On the Castor Hanglands Walk, (4th May) we found examples of St George’s mushroom - traditionally first seen around the end of April if not precisely on April 23rd. Interesting that like many other species, this is at least two weeks late this year?

(Photos courtesy of Matthew Hutchings via http://www.mushrooms.org.uk/ )

However that was not all - in the hazel undergrowth near to the open ponds at the centre of the Hanglands, (south-east side of North Heath), Jean Stowe spotted another limestone and season-specific item - the unusual Common Toothwort. This plant has no chlorophyll, so obtains its nutrients by becoming a parasite on certain tree roots - often hazel - see Wikipedia at Lathraea squamaria) .

(Thanks to Jean Stowe for the ‘photo)

Both the morels and the St George’s fungi are edible - indeed considered great delicacies, for those brave enough to go foraging. All part of the heritage!