Distinctive Fungi on Wood

About this book

Distinctive Fungi on Wood covers 40 species including mushroom-shaped fungi, jellies and brackets found in woodland, parks and churchyards. Specially-drawn colour illustrations highlight the main features to look out for. Concise accompanying text highlights key identification features including size, colour, shape and habitat. Practical for use outdoors: lightweight, rucksack-sized, splash-proof.

Fungi are an ancient form of life, diverse and mysterious. You never quite know when and where they will show themselves. Good places to look for the fungi in this guide include anywhere there are trees, especially mature and veteran trees and deadwood. Autumn is the best time to see these fungi, but some may be seen all year.

Unfortunately identifying fungi seems daunting to beginners. Many species look very similar. Moreover many species lack a common name, and even their scientific names are prone to change from time to time! Many fungi identification books – although brilliant in the hands of experts – look long and intimidating. So where do you start? A good strategy is to learn to recognise common and distinctive species. The authors of this new guide have chosen 40 species that are not easily confused with any others. It is both possible to make reliable identifications in the field without using specialist equipment, and there is no need to collect a specimen.

This guide is based upon Mushrooms and Toadstools of Britain & Europe, a four-volume series of books published between 2017 and 2023 by Geoffrey Kibby, an experienced mycologist and talented artist.

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