The latest guided walks in Buriton's Chalk Pits Nature Reserves discovered a rare fungus which appears on the Red Data List of threatened British fungi.
Over thirty parishioners and visitors enjoyed two guided walks led by Hampshire expert Simon Moore.
A variety of fungi - from large bracket types to miniature growths on decaying wood - were identified.
But the highlight of the events was the Solitary or Spiny Headed amanita (Amanita echinocephala) which appears on the UK Red Data List.
Another species found was the Sulphur tuft which is much more widespread and can be found growing on the dead and rotting trunks of broad-leaved trees.
As well as helping people to identify and understand fungi, these events in the Chalk Pits Nature Reserve are designed to help compile a species list to assist with the management of the site.
In 2010 the rare Alder bolete was found in the Buriton site growing on a non native type of Alder which was destined for removal. The plan was quickly altered.
All the fungi walks in the Buriton Chalk Pits are held for information purposes only. No foraging takes place and there is definitely no fry up at the end.
Identification of the many species of fungi should be left to the experts as some are protected by law whilst others (like the Sulphur tuft) are poisonous.
