Fungi

The Life of Fungi

Fungi play a vital role in ancient woodlands, contributing to the ecosystem's diversity and functioning. Within these woodlands, fungi interact with trees, plants, and other organisms in intricate ways. They form mycorrhizal associations with tree roots, aiding in nutrient exchange and supporting tree health.

Fungi perform other functions such as primary decomposers, breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, wood, and animal remains. This process releases nutrients back into the soil, making them available for other organisms and contributing to the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and other essential elements. By decomposing organic matter, fungi play a significant role in nutrient cycling within ecosystems. They release nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth, into the soil, making them available for uptake by plants and other organisms.

Certain fungi form symbiotic relationships with animals, such as lichens, which are associations between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. Lichens can colonise a variety of substrates and play roles in soil formation, nitrogen fixation, and providing habitat for other organisms. Many fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, known as mycorrhizae. In these associations, fungi colonise the roots of plants, extending their reach into the soil and enhancing the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients, especially phosphorus and micronutrients. In return, the fungi receive sugars produced by the plant through photosynthesis.

Overall, fungi are integral components of ancient woodlands, shaping their structure, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity.

Honey Fungus

Although these mushrooms usually appear on infected tree stumps, they can also pop up in soil, growing from rhizomorphs below ground.

Trametes versicolor (Turkeytail fungus)

This is most obvious in the winter months when deciduous trees are bare. This is a very variable fungus that grows mainly on dead hardwood, including stumps and standing dead trees as well as fallen branches.