A RARE fungi thought to have been extinct in the UK has been spotted in a farm at Shillingstone.

The unusual and delicate fungi, Artomyces pyxidatus, was discovered by expert mycologist Andy Knott of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms who led a fungi foray walk at the Countryside Regeneration Trust’s (CRT) Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone.

The mushroom is known as crown tipped coral or candelabra coral due to the crown-like tips of its branches.

Mr Knott seeks out rare fungal organisms such as this and takes small sterile biopsies at his lab in Dorset.

“From these, I can preserve the genetics of these wonderful, rare mushrooms,” he said.

“In some cases, we can expand the native culture and transfer it to sterile grain and from there, we can introduce the grain to a fruiting substrate.”

Mr Knott said by cloning the genetics of native species they can be preserved, while also selecting the best cultures to grow rare mushrooms commercially and not impact on wild colonies.

He added: “Fungi foraging has become extremely popular in recent years and it’s something I’ve enjoyed doing for the past 15 years.

The crown-tipped coral (Artomyces pyxidatus) Picture: Nick Dobbs/Bere Marsh Farm

“Unfortunately, with all the habitat loss seen over recent decades, foraging for wild fungi may not be such a sustainable activity in the future.

“Therefore, cultivating these fabulously rare and often very medicinal mushrooms is the next best thing in ensuring we can all enjoy them.”

Mr Knott described the fungi as being off white-cream in colour, occasionally with pink tones.

“It will usually be found growing on decaying hardwoods and occasionally some softwoods,” he said.

“Unlike other similar looking ‘Coral’ fungi, these grow on decaying wood, instead of emerging from the ground.”

The fungi was thought to have been extinct in the UK, with the last record of this species prior to the 20th century was in 1996.

“There has been a dozen or so records since, but it was not until 2021 in Suffolk that Artomyces pyxidatus was officially recorded again and for the first time in the 21st century,” Mr Knott said.

“There have been a small number of finds around Sussex and Kent in the last months but on iNaturalist, a website I use, the discovery at Bere Marsh Farm is the only find in the UK west of the South Downs.

“It’s a real treat to have this mushroom fruiting in Dorset.”

Nick Dobbs, the CRT’s community engagement manager, who organised the fungi foray walk, said he was delighted with the rare fungi find.

“This just shows that the work we are doing to increase biodiversity and restore habitat at Bere Marsh Farm is working.

“The CRT is absolutely delighted to have welcomed Andy to host the fungi foray walk and his knowledge is astonishing. We will be welcoming Andy back in 2025 for more fungi foray walks.”

The Countryside Regeneration Trust is a national charity promoting nature-friendly farming to help reverse the biodiversity decline and combat climate change.

For more information about the work of the CRT, visit their website at www.thecrt.co.uk and for more information about their upcoming events, visit www.thecrt.co.uk/Pages/Events/Category/online-talks