Monthly wildlife spotting
October
Fungi: the hidden stars of autumn
October brings a burst of colour to our woodlands and grasslands - not just in the trees, but on the ground too.
From the iconic red-and-white fly agaric to the jewel-like waxcaps in old grasslands, fungi are putting on a show. You’ll also spot bracket fungi clinging to fallen logs, quietly breaking down wood and returning nutrients to the soil.
Fungi are nature’s recyclers. They help decompose leaves and timber, feeding the next generation of plants. Many also form underground partnerships with trees, exchanging nutrients in a fascinating natural network.
If you’re out walking in Valley Park, Rooksbury Mill or Abbotswood this autumn, take a moment to look down as well as up. Spotting fungi is like uncovering a secret chapter of the woodland story - and every sighting helps us learn more.
Have you found fungi this autumn? Share your photos with us using the link below - we’d love to see what you’ve discovered.
Join in our Countryside Citizen Science Programme and become a wildlife detective - no experience needed! Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, there’s something for everyone:
🔬 Get hands-on with field surveys
💻 Contribute from your armchair with simple, easy data entry
📲 Record your wildlife sightings on iRecord - it’s free, fun, and open to anyone aged 13+!
Let’s uncover the wonders of Test Valley’s winter wildlife together. Visit www.irecord.org.uk or email CitizenScience@testvalley.gov.uk for more information.