Parasols

There doesn’t seem to have been that many Parasol Mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera) about this season, they're usually a common sight amongst the heather of Spy Holms.

Out of time

 

Out on Spy Holms the Parasol Mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera) are coming up all over; their usual season is July to September, fresh specimens at this quantity shouldn't be about this late on in the year.  Yeah, you've always seen the odd one outside their recognised window, but this year there are dozens. I've noticed that the season has been experiencing creep over the last few years, though this is unusual. Things aren't right in the natural world are they, if you can't see it, and the evidence is there, then you must definitely be able feel it; the signs that the seasons are all askew can not be denied. However you want to frame it doesn't matter, the climate is changing; that is irrefutable. The only pertinent question is, what are we going to do about it? We're running out of time, and I've yet to see a convincing, cogent, inclusive or detailed road map for humanities future.

Parasols

All over Spy Holms at the moment Parasol mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera) are appearing amongst the heather.

Another late arrival

We saw our first Parasol mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera) this morning out amongst the heather of Spy Holms. Two nice fresh examples of a good size too. Another mushroom arriving outside of it's usual season, which for Parasols is June to September; I know it's not uncommon to see them in October, or them to still pop up, though it's not common for them to make their first appearance this late in the year.

Parasol

There are quite a few young Parasol mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera) developing amongst the heather on Spy Holms. Though beyond these and Hedgehogs (Hydnum repandum), there's little going on in the forest mushroom wise, edible or otherwise.

Late arrivals.

The rains have brought out a flush of Parasol mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera) across Spy Holms, there are dozens of them tucked away amongst the fading heather, trooped and singular. It's the best show of them that I've seen here in years. Normally they'd have been out for a while now, dotted here and there, although the dry nature of this year's summer/early autumn has inhibited them. They're certainly making up for it now.

Parasol Mushroom

Parasol Mushroom growing on the gassy slopes of The Warren.

Dry Spy

The woodland and woodland fringe fungal communities of Red Rise appear to have faired far better than their more exposed community neighbours on the open heathland and lawn of Spy Holms. It's by no means been a bumper mushroom season in the forest, though some woodland inhabitants like Chicken of the Woods, Beefsteak and Oysters have been well represented, the Boletes were respectable and there are plenty of Hedgehog mushrooms too (as have loads of other mushrooms/fungi).  It's a very different story on the adjacent exposed open lawn and heath. Usually covered in a really diverse community, this year...nought!  Or near nought. I've seen two Parasols, when commonly it would dozens, no Wax Caps, no Puffballs, no Liberty Caps, and very little beyond. Where normally you'd have to look where you're stepping, you can look but there's nothing to see, it's barren.  Drier autumns don't do mushrooms any service, I hope they don't become too frequent.

Seasons first

I say 'seasons first', well, they're the first I've seen this season. A clump of lovely fresh Parasol mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera) nestled together in a woodland opening. More commonly they're found outside of woodland, in our area, that's on the forest's open holmes or on our coastal hills and cliff tops. When seen on mass they're quite a sight, and incidentally, they're a very tasty shroom. Though as I'm at pains to remind folk at this fungal time of year, never touch, pick or collect any mushrooms you are not a hundred and ten percent certain of, and even then check again!

Gimme shelter

It's another fabulous season on the Purbeck Hills for Parasol mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera), they peppered Nine Barrow Down, dozens of them. I spied this bashful fellow seeking shelter and safety under the flattening cap of his big brother.

Parasol Mushroom

Back at 'the ponds' to check out the areas I've yet to explore. Up slope from the ponds themselves, up beyond the orchard area, is an open rough grassy area through which several parasol mushrooms were poking. Parasols are the largest of our 'standard' mushrooms, with by far the largest caps. Though when they're young their caps are still quite conical and resemble the thatched roofs of Iron Age roundhouses. I wonder if that's where people got the idea for their roofs from, watching the water run off these conical caps and seeing the ground beneath remaining dry.  Anyhow, they're a tasty treat. When the cap has opened if you collect a couple, clean them (they're usually quite clean anyway), cut them into wedges like a cake or pizza, dip them in a batter and fry them. Lovely with a dip or on their own.  Remember though, only ever collect and consume mushrooms that you are a 100% certain of, or you could die!

Here come the rains again

Here come the rains again and with them the parasols. Which is apt. The forest is getting wetter, slowly, and as it does so the mushrooms begin to pop up all over the place. Parasols (Macrolepiota procera) can be spotted from quite a distance, their tall form and plate sized cap make them one of the most imposing of mushrooms. They're also very tasty, cut into wedges, seasoned, dipped into batter a fried. 

Late parasol

A late Parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera), their season being July to November this will no doubt be one of the last, especially with the arrival of frost. Good specimen though. 

Parasol mushrooms

The rough grassland around the linear barrow cemetery (Nine Barrows) on Brenscombe Hill is bursting with Parasol mushrooms (Macrolepiota procera), there are literally hundreds, I've not seen them like this before and 90% of them are in an edible condition.  A wonderful sight.