Fungi of Southern Epping Forest 

Expertise to readily and reliably identify fungi in this area has not been readily available to me over the years, so the list below is only a representation of the species that have been found recently. I have labelled some of the species as uncertain by appending a question mark, although it should be emphasised that - due to my own limited expertise - it is possible that there are mis-identifications present within the remainder. Nevertheless, I feel that just having some record - and photographs to go with them - should at least show the variety of fungi that may been found locally.

In 1984 a paper entitled 'The Fungi of Southern Epping Forest' was published in the London Naturalist. (No. 63) by C.W. Plant and G. Kibby'. In this it was acknowledged that the mycological flora of southern Epping Forest has still only begun to be explored, but that public pressure on the study area for recreational purposes does render many specimens unidentifiable because of trampling. Yet it also states that examination has shown that the extensive grasslands, large numbers of mature oaks and rich pond margins fringed with Salix have their own fungal-rich flora. This was a survey of the fungi of that part of the Forest south of Waterworks Corner, which is the same area that is covered within Wanstead Wildlife, so reference should be sought to that paper for more information.

The Mycetozoa or slime moulds have often been associated with the fungi but this intriguing group of organisms has now been classified as an entirely separate class (the Myxogastria) of living thing. Some photographs of slime moulds are included preceding the photographs of fungi, and a list is available here.

For lists of fungi found in specific locations, with more details, see below

bw = Bush Wood, click here

col = City of London Cemetery, click here

wf =  Wanstead Flats, click here

wp = Wanstead Park, click here

Below is a list of Fungi which covers the whole study area. They are presented in simple alphabetical order. The first known date of identification for a specific area is given where known.

Those species where a photograph is available of a specimen found somewhere in the area may be viewed by clicking on the scientific name.

top