A rare and vibrant pink fungus species, the fairy club fungus Clavaria calabrica, has been recorded in Great Britain for the very first time. This pale pink, tennis ball-sized fungus was discovered during an autumn waxcap watch survey in Somerset last year, marking an exciting milestone for UK mycology.
The significant find was made by Naturewatch volunteers from Somer Valley Rediscovered in Haydon Batch, Somerset, under the guidance of local fungi enthusiast Dan Nicholas. DNA testing later confirmed this as the first-ever confirmed sighting of Clavaria calabrica in mainland Great Britain.
Dan Nicholas commented on the discovery: “After a successful morning identifying 15 species of brightly coloured waxcaps, finding a species new to Great Britain truly made the day exceptional. The identification involved a nationwide collaboration, with DNA extraction carried out in Scotland and sequencing performed at the University of Aberystwyth in Wales.”
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Clavaria calabrica was originally described by scientists in Italy in 2017 and is typically found in gently managed, species-rich grasslands. While it has been recorded in Northern Ireland, this latest discovery is the first verified occurrence on the British mainland.
Waxcaps and similar fungi are important indicators of rare, biodiverse grasslands known as ancient meadows. These habitats not only support a wealth of wildflowers and fungi but also maintain healthy soil, sustain vital pollinators like bees and butterflies, store more carbon than intensively farmed land, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
This discovery comes as part of the Somer Valley Rediscovered project, a collaborative effort involving Bath & North East Somerset Council, local town and parish councils, and other partners, funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. The project focuses on enhancing biodiversity and connecting communities with their local green spaces.
Residents across the region are encouraged to participate in the West of England Wildlife Index, a citizen science initiative monitoring wildlife at 20 sites. Volunteers help track populations of bees, butterflies, plants, and wetland birds, supporting the ongoing effort to protect and understand local habitats.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, remarked: “Discovering a species never before recorded in Great Britain here in the West of England is a source of pride and highlights the unique natural heritage of our region. The West of England Nature Partnership plays a crucial role in preserving these habitats, and I urge everyone to engage with the Wildlife Index to help safeguard our remarkable environment.”