Rare species of pink fungus discovered in UK for first time

By Lauren Beavis

A rare species of pink fungus has been recorded in the UK for the first time.

The pale pink, fairy club fungus, known as Clavaria calabrica, was found during a waxcap watch survey in Somerset during autumn last year.

The tennis ball-sized fungus has now been confirmed through DNA testing as the first recorded sighting of the species anywhere in Great Britain.

The "exceptional" discovery was made by a group of Naturewatch volunteers from Somer Valley Rediscovered in Haydon Batch, in Somerset, on a course led by local enthusiast Dan Nicholas.

Dan said: “Before making our discovery, we'd already had a successful morning recording 15 species of brightly coloured waxcap fungi.

"To top this off by finding a species new to Great Britain, made for an exceptional day.

“Confirming the identification of the species was a nationwide effort, with DNA extraction being carried out by David Mitchel in Scotland, before being sent to the University of Aberystwyth in Wales for sequencing.

“This discovery further demonstrates that the South West is home to some of the most spectacular and diverse examples of these unique grassland fungi communities anywhere on the planet.

“We are truly blessed to have such a colourful spectacle of nature’s calendar right on our doorstep – something we need to cherish and protect at all costs.”

Clavaria calabrica is a small fairy club fungus that was first identified by scientists in Italy in 2017.

More from this section

Rare albino wallaby born at animal rescue center

Brilliant Bhatia snatches Arnold Palmer victory in playoff

Alcaraz battles back to reach Indian Wells fourth round

It is usually found in grasslands that have been managed gently over time and are rich in wildlife.

While the species has previously been recorded in Northern Ireland, this is the first time it has been confirmed in mainland Britain.

Experts say waxcaps and similar fungi are a sign of rare, species-rich grassland and recording where these fungi grow helps to identify surviving areas of ancient meadows so that they can be protected for the future.

These grasslands are not just important for wildflowers and fungi, but they also help keep soil healthy, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, store more carbon than intensively managed land, and play a key role in tackling climate change.

The fungus was discovered as part of the Somer Valley Rediscovered project, a partnership including Bath & North East Somerset Council, Radstock and Midsomer Norton town councils, parish councils, and other partners – which is funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

The project aims to improve biodiversity whilst better connecting communities to their local greenspaces and landscapes.

People across the region are being encouraged to take part in the West of England Wildlife Index, a citizen science program tracking wildlife at 20 sites across the West of England, contributing to the region’s State of Nature report.

Volunteers are asked to help count bees, butterflies, plants and wetland birds as part of well-established national monitoring schemes, with guidance and support from the project’s ecologist.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, added: “Finding a species never before recorded in Great Britain here in the West is something we can all be proud of. This shows again just how rich and unique landscapes across our region can be.

"The work of the West of England Nature Partnership helps make sure these habitats are understood and protected.

"I encourage everyone to get involved in the West of England Wildlife Index, helping us record and safeguard the nature that makes our region so special.”