Giant toadstool discovered at a Devon nature reserve

A ‘giant’ toadstool has appeared at a Devon nature reserve.

Autumn is the season for toadstool spotting. So it wasn’t too surprising when Devon Wildlife Trust staff stumbled upon a group of Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) fungi at the charity’s Chudleigh Knighton Heath nature reserve, near Bovey Tracey . But the size of one of the toadstools caught Senior Nature Reserve Officer, Andy Bakere’s eye.

"At this time of year its common to see lots of different kinds of fungi on our nature reserves – they are one of the wonderful natural sights of autumn. But this individual fly agaric stopped me in my tracks. It measured more than 13 inches across and was by far the biggest one I’ve ever seen.”

Fly agaric are often grow in woodlands or near trees and are found across Europe, North America and Asia. There deep red colouring with white spots make it very distinctive, while its poisonous and hallucinogenic qualities have made it a part of many mythical and folklore tales. It’s also often been the toadstool that illustrators depict imps and fairies sitting upon in children’s books.

The toadstool usually measures around three to eight inches across, but this individual was found to be just over 13 inches in diameter. 

Andy and his Devon Wildlife Trust team were careful to leave the fly agaric for others to discover and enjoy. "Our advice to the public with all fungi", said Andy, "is not to touch but to admire them for what they are: a beautiful symbol of nature’s bounty in autumn."

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Chudleigh Knighton Heath is one of 48 nature reserves managed by the charity. It is open to the public and has no entrance fee.