The fungal blooms of the multiclavula vernalis, right, found on land between Farnborough and Yateley, look a bit like the World Cup, scientists say
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Yateley hosts rare World Cup-shaped fungus
By Pete CastleJune 14, 2010
SCIENTISTS have confirmed that a rare World Cup-shaped fungus has been sighted in England for the first time.
The multiclavula vernalis fungus was found by a keen-eyed ranger on Ministry of Defence land between Yateley and Farnborough, on an area used by troops stationed in Aldershot for military training exercises.
Despite the visible parts of the fungus being just 5mm high, the boffins immediately noticed the its similarity to the World Cup trophy.
Keith Blackmore, assistant reserves and grazing project officer for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, found the small patch of tiny, orange fungi.
What a fungi
Mr Blackmore, who was organising a guided wildlife walk, referred the growth to a local fungi expert, who had to admit he had no idea what the strange growths were.
Samples were then sent to the head of mycology at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, who confirmed their identity as Multiclavula vernalis, a fungus rare in the British Isles that has never been seen in England before.
It is usually found in countries with colder climates in the Arctic or high up in mountainous regions. In the UK, it has only ever been spotted in the Outer Hebrides and the Shetland Isles.
Mr Blackmore said: “I knew it was a very unusual discovery when I saw it but I didn’t know exactly what it was.
'Exciting first'
“Having sought expert advice, I’m really thrilled to find out it’s an exciting first for England. It’s a great addition to the flora and fauna that already exists on these wonderful wildlife reserves.”
Scientists believe that the management carried out by the wildlife charity on behalf of the MoD, has created the perfect conditions for spores that have drifted in on the wind to settle and grow.
They are working on the theory that ground conditions combined with the very cold winter to create the ideal habitat for the species.
The land is generally open to the public but closed for army training exercises and is carefully managed with the use of grazing animals to create habitats for snakes, lizards, ground-nesting birds, insects and rare plants.
The wildlife charity said it would be keeping a close eye on the site to see if the fungus spreads.
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