A RARE species of waxcap fungi has been identified at Hadrian's Wall during an Annual Grassland Fungi Survey.
During the survey last month, 28 species of waxcaps were identified, including rare Butterscotch waxcaps, found at three different sites.
The newly described species, the Butterscotch waxcap, is both new to Hadrian's Wall and to the 17 mycologists present.
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Mycologist Liz Holden, who led the survey, said: "Recording three separate finds of the Butterscotch waxcap along Hadrian's Wall is a fantastic discovery, with so few being recorded UK wide.
"The Butterscotch waxcap was only described in 2013 based on two collections from Wales; it is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN (International Union of Nature Conservation) Red List of Threatened Species.
"Since 2013 there have only been two other accepted collections in England – so, subject to DNA verification, Hadrian's Wall is now well and truly on the map."
Shaun Hackett, ranger at Northumberland National Park, who organises the annual survey, said: "Discovering so many species along the Hadrian's Wall grassland here in Northumberland National Park is special, as waxcaps are great indicators of the grassland's health and biodiversity and suggests it's a good carbon store."
Waxcaps have distinct features compared to regular mushrooms or toadstools, such as jewel-bright colours (reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, and greens) and unique waxy tops.
The longer these areas have maintained soils that are undisturbed by ploughing or where fertilizer has been minimal, the more biodiverse they become.
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