2006 Fungi of Fingal Woodlands - Fingal Biodiversity

Ecological Study of the Countryside Habitats in County Fingal Woodland fungi
Both Ardgillan and Newbridge Demesnes had quite a number of pasture species – five Agaricus
apiece and several Hygrocybe species. It was a pleasure to find Hygrocybe intermedia in the grass
at Newbridge House. Colourful Waxcaps of the Genus Hygrocybe, are doyens of grassland
conservation. Howth hosts at least six Hygrocybe species but several of these are outside the
designated area, in a patch of heathland. It is unlikely that artificial fertilizers or fungicides have
been used on land where Hygrocybe species grow. Large populations of Marasmius oreades, the
Fairy Ring Mushroom, at Newbridge House were impressive this season. Ardgillan Demesne also
had many Marasmius oreades rings. The Deceiver, Laccaria laccata, was common in grassy areas.
St. Catherine’s Park is not so rich in these Genera.
Inonotus hispidus is a Bracket fungus and considered to be a scarce. It has only been seen on four
trees in Dublin. Three of these are in Newbridge House Demesne and the other one is at the
National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin.
St. Catherine’s Park hosts some unusual species and for its size and habitat limitations it has rich
areas for fungi within it. Melanophyllum eyrei and Melanophyllum echinatum were a joy to see. The
old wood by the River Liffey is one of few areas with Hazel as an understorey species. It is an
important tree for associated fungi.
Boletus albidus was present under the Five Oaks near Ardgillan Castle. This was one of the species
found New to Dublin in the course of this work. On the other end of the scale St. Catherine’s Park
appears to be poor in Boletus and related species. Boletes are mainly associated with Oak and Birch
and some may favour the acidic conditions at Howth.
Amanita species are most common at Howth (4 species). The deadly Amanita phalloides at
Ardgillan and Amanita pantherina at Howth may raise questions regarding the best way to keep
visitors to the parks safe from accidental poisoning. Ignorance up to now has been some protection.
The National Poisons Unit at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin has responsibility for mushroom
poisonings in Ireland. Many enquiries have been made over the years with regard to the effects of
Magic mushroom ingestion, now illegal in Ireland. Few serious poisonings and few fatalities have
taken place but now that more people are picking fungi for culinary uses, care must be taken.
Confusion between species that look very similar is one problem. Clitocybe dealbata is a deadly
poisonous mushroom found at Ardgillan and at Howth. It can be easily confused with the Miller,
Clitocybe prunulus which is very good to eat.
Fungi taken from Ardgillan for food include Calvatia gigantea (Giant Puffballs) and Coprinus
comatus (Ink caps). Shaggy Ink Caps are good to eat but must not be consumed at the same time as
alcohol or the combination can make one very ill. The Giant Puffball, Calvatia gigantea was
encountered at Newbridge, Ardgillan and Howth in different contexts. The specimens at Newbridge
and Howth were in grass as expected. The Ardgillan group were in deep shade in woodland near the
coast. Several species at Ardgillan gave a confused signal in the sense that ‘field mushrooms’ live
in the woodland at the base of the site.
The unusual-looking species Auricularia mesenterica was seen at St. Catherine’s Park and at
Newbridge Demesne (image in Newbridge Appendix 5). Populations of this species seem more
common than we had previously thought. Sticks left in situ are an important niche for this species
and the fact that sticks are not gathered for firewood appears to be a factor.
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