17th October 2024

We were lucky enough to attend a special BBOWT trip to the Dancersend Nature Reserve to explore the reserve’s woodland areas in search of fungi, guided by a knowledgeable fungus expert who has written several guidebooks on British fungi.

The journey to Dancersend was an adventure in itself, as we navigated narrow, single-track country roads. Thankfully, the drive was smooth, with no encounters requiring a tricky reverse! Upon arrival at the site, which also houses an extremely impressive Edwardian-looking Thames Water pumping station, we were warmly welcomed by representatives from BBOWT. Before setting out, we gathered for an informative talk about the reserve and what we might discover.

Dancersend, in the Chiltern Hills, is a diverse and rich nature reserve, nestled, known for its variety of habitats, including ancient woodland, grassland, and chalk streams. This blend of ecosystems makes it a haven for wildlife and fungi alike. Established in 1941, it was one of the first nature reserves in the region and has since been carefully managed to support rare and endangered species.

As we began our walk, we were reminded of the vital role fungi play in woodland ecosystems. These incredible organisms recycle nutrients, break down dead matter, and form symbiotic relationships with trees. The dying and dead ash trees, victims of ash dieback disease, proved to be hotspots for fungal growth. Initially, we struggled to spot anything, but as our guide shared tips and tricks, our eyes quickly adjusted. Soon, we were finding a wide variety of fungi, each with its unique shape, colour, and texture.

We were treated to tea and cakes back at base where R found several boxes of natural history themed books for sale. She bought only three being, apparently, “severely hampered by lack of cash”.

We had visited Dancersend before, sometime in the last century. A colleague from Walker days, Jan, had lived there for a while,