Rare fungus reappears at reserve

The Minsmere reserve is popular with birdwatchers

A rare fungus has been found at a Suffolk nature reserve, having not been seen there for almost 10 years.

The last recorded sighting of the bearded tooth fungus, or Hericium erinaceus, at RSPB Minsmere near Westleton, was in 1999.

But a spokeswoman for the reserve said fungi experts rediscovered it during a visit in October.

The species is growing in a closed off part of the reserve, so visitors will not be able to see it.

RSPB ecologist Mark Gurney said: "Bearded tooth fungus is usually found on dead wood on broad-leaved trees, especially beech, and probably favours standing dead wood, rather than fallen trunks.

"It is fantastic to rediscover this rare fungus at Minsmere."