Why families are being urged to look closer on autumn walks

From fairytale toadstools to fungi that look like birds’ nests, experts say some of Britain’s most unusual mushrooms are beginning to emerge as autumn arrives.

Hidden in parks, woodlands and nature reserves, species ranging from the bright-red fly agaric to the rare red cage fungus can be found by anyone willing to slow down and take a closer look.

For James Benwell, of the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, searching for fungi has become a way to explore the outdoors with his young son.

He said mushroom spotting can transform an ordinary walk into an adventure, revealing colourful and unusual species that many people pass by without noticing.

Across the West Midlands, fungi enthusiasts have recorded everything from tiny bird’s nest fungi in Birmingham city centre, to fly agaric mushrooms growing beneath woodland birch trees and a rare red cage fungus discovered in Cannon Hill Park.

Many species can go unnoticed among fallen leaves, rotting wood and the bases of trees, but Benwell said taking the time to look more closely opens up a hidden world.

“Every walk becomes interesting and exciting if you’re exploring and if you’re looking for new things,” he said.