"EXQUISITE" fungi in undergrowth near Kingswood have been discovered by a natural history commentator.
Peter Lovett took this photo (above) in Shabden Park nature reserve of the tiny plants of the genus marasmius – tiny mushrooms with thin stems which grow on leaf litter or woody debris.
Mr Lovett, of Cuckfield in West Sussex, said: "Mushrooms in this genus play an essential role in the forest ecosystem as decomposers, helping to break down leaf litter and rotting plant debris.
"When the mushrooms become too dry, they shrivel up and remain hidden in the leaf litter until conditions improve, at which point they resume their previous appearance.
"They are exquisitely tiny, and within this forest floor ecosystem small is truly beautiful."
For details about his talks on natural history, visit www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk
