We met at the Childwall Abbey Hotel for the members-only event, a PowerPoint talk about the fungi found in Childwall Woods and Fields, and an enthusiastic group of 12 members gathered in the Function Room.
Some of the members who attended the talk
Those who attended heard about the different types of fungi and their roles as recyclers, destroyers and traders. Not what you’d expect of fungi.
Beefsteak fungus. A recycler
Honey Fungus. A destroyer
White Saddle. A trader with beech trees.
Mycoremediation was discussed, where contaminated areas are cleared by fungi, breaking down the contaminants.
Smoky brackets are being researched as an effective way to clean up contaminated sites.
The therapeutic and medicinal properties of some mushrooms were discussed, especially anti-viral and anti-tumour properties, widely researched and accepted in some cultures.
Split Gill, known and prized for its medicinal properties.
Perhaps, the most surprising fungi of all was the Oyster mushroom, known to be carnivorous, supplementing its nutrition with nematode worms, snarled in its mycelium.
A log full of Oyster mushrooms
The refreshments went down well after the talk when there was time to chat with the other members.
Many thanks to the members who were such a good audience and to the Childwall Abbey Hotel for their kind hospitality.
Brenda Cameron – Event leader and author
All photographs are the author’s own.
28/8/24