A NEW type of fungi has been discovered at a nature reserve in west Dorset.

The yellow foot waxcap has been found in a ‘rare and special discovery’ at the Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve near Maiden Newton – taking the number of fungi species in the area to 25.

Other waxcaps found include the crimson waxcap, the parrot waxcap and the splendid waxcap.

The Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve has unique unimproved grassland, which is grazed by cattle and sheep, and creates a very specific set of conditions that waxcap fungi need to thrive.

Bryan Edwards, from Dorset Environment Records Centre, which collates, stores and makes available information about Dorset’s wildlife, said: “Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve is rightly renowned for its flower-rich meadows, but in the autumn the orchids, rattle, knapweed and scabious are replaced by colourful waxcap fungi, with shades of red, orange, yellow, green and even pink. This autumn’s damp and mild weather has been ideal for fruiting.”

He added: “The reserve supports 25 species making it one of the richest sites in England for these species.

“The 25th, hygrocybe flavipes yellow foot waxcap was added this year and is only known from a handful of sites in the county. Waxcaps require well-drained soils low in nutrients and also depend on Dorset Wildlife Trust’s cattle and sheep to maintain a short sward.”

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s west Dorset land management officer, Maurits Fontein, said: “This is such a rare and special discovery for Kingcombe, and I was pleased to be there when we found the yellow foot waxcap, which has never been found at Kingcombe before.

“It’s great that we’re still finding new species of waxcap at Kingcombe and having such a high number of them on one site is very exciting.”

Waxcaps are a type of fungi, which vary in colour and size. Due to their importance and rarity, the wildlife trust recommends that they are not removed from the site or eaten.