Plas Farm is a great place to spot Fungi. The diverse range of habitats around the cottages are home to many different species including some edible varieties. All pictures taken at Plas Farm.
Fungi Species at Plas Farm
Fungi are a class of cellular plant that lack chlorophyll, of which mushrooms, toadstools, and moulds are familiar example. Unfortunately we are not very good at identifying the species we find growing at the farm. Perhaps you could help us? Every now and then we do manage to identify one though. The one below is called Hen of the Woods, or Grifola frondosa. It grows on the lawn outside of Bwthyn Y Saer holiday cottage every year.
Grifola Frondosa Fungi – Hen of the Woods outisde Bwthyn y Saer holiday cottage in South Wales
British Mycological Society
Membership is open to any person with an interest in mycology. Mycology is the study of fungi, their genetic and biochemical properties, their taxonomy, and their use to humans as a source for medicinals (see penicillin) and food (beer, wine, cheese, edible mushrooms), as well as their dangers, such as poisoning or infection. Their website is www.britmycolsoc.org.uk
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
Some species of fungi are DEADLY POISONOUS, and edible fungi can easily be confused with poisonous ones if specimens are not thoroughly examined. Extreme care is therefore essential when gathering wild fungi to be used as food. If you are at all uncertain, show the fungi to an expert and obtain positive identification before eating them or giving them to anyone else who might eat them.
Our holiday cottages are ideal for those who would like a birdwatching holiday in Wales. The farm holiday cottages are situated upon the bank of the upper reaches of the River Clydach in the Swansea Valley, some five miles from Cwm Clydach RSPB Bird Sanctuary Nature Reserve.
