Find some fungi

Sandscale Haws parasol fungus

Sandscale Haws has been named one of the most important sites in the British Isles for fungi and a real gem for fungi enthusiasts. There are over 300 different kinds of fungus recorded across the nature reserve.

Of these 300 fungi at least 10 are extremely rare and can only be found in sand dunes, like the tiny earthstar fungus. If it’s colourful fungi you’d like to see, then look in the dune grassland in late summer for the red and orange wax caps or the jet black earthtongues. These resemble black tongues sticking out of the ground hence their name.

Earthtongue fungus
Sandscale Haws Earthtongue
Earthtongue fungus


Late summer and autumn are the best time of year to see fungi at Sandscale of all shapes and sizes. Perhaps start off with finding the obvious ones like the huge parasol fungus which grows in dune grassland. Other species are found in spring and summer like the distinctive common morrel.

Waxcap fungus
Sandscale Haws wax cap fungus
Waxcap fungus


If you’d like to find out more when you visit Sandscale then head into the Red Hut for more information.