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Giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea)

This striking fungus is widespread in the UK but not common in Norfolk. It can be found in groups in fields, but more often it is seen in verges and hedgerows, often where the soil nutrient level has been raised.

Hoof fungus (Fomes fomentarius)

The hoof fungus commonly occurs on birch in the north of Britain and rarely on other tree species in south-east England. It has long been absent or scarce over much of central and western England but is moving south and has recently been found at several sites in Norfolk, especially in the west of the county.

Snowy waxcap (Cuphophyllus virgineus)

Waxcaps come in many different shapes, sizes and colours and are a good indicator of ancient meadows. The snowy waxcap is more common and widespread than other waxcaps, and due to being able to tolerate a slightly higher soil fertility it can recolonise an area quicker than other species. Keep your eyes peeled for this small fungus in parkland, garden lawns, churchyards and pastures.

Giant Puffball

• The giant puffball is one of the largest fungi in the world, and some have been known to reach the size of a small sheep.
• One giant puffball can contain more than seven trillion spores.
• An old country name for giant puffball is bulfe.
• Pieces of the dried spongy spore-mass were kept to staunch bleeding in injured farm animals, and, no doubt, in humans too.
• The largest giant puffball fruiting body on record was 8ft 8in in diameter and weighed 48 pounds.

Hoof fungus

• In spring a fruiting body of hoof fungus can produce up to 887 million spores in an hour. In dry weather these spores are visible as white powder.
• Hoof fungus is also known as tinder fungus, false tinder fungus, tinder conk, tinder polypore and ice man fungus.
• Otzi, a 5,000 year old preserved iceman that was found in a glacier on the border of Austria and Italy, carried three pieces of hoof fungus with him, thought to be for tinder use.
• The fruiting body can survive for up to 30 years.
• A 115,000 year-old hoof fungus was found at Shotesham and is displayed in the Castle Museum

Waxcaps

• Waxcaps take their names from their slippery-looing cap and gills (although some do have dry surfaces.
• There are about 50 different species of waxcap in the UK.
• According to Plantlife, the UK is home to some of the most important waxcap grasslands in the world.
• Waxcaps are sometimes described as the 'orchids' of the fungi world because of their bright and varied colouration.
• The waxcap group of fungi are especially abundant in undisturbed grasslands: in the best sites, up to 30 species may grow within a one-hectare area.