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Ruby Elf Cup Fungus

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Ruby Elf Cup fungus is a small fungus seen as a bright spot on the woodland floor!  Whereas we generally notice fungi producing their fruiting bodies in the autumn this species is very much a winter specialist. It grows on twigs in damp woodland, singly or in small groups, attached by a short stem and although uncommon it is present in many Norfolk woodlands – this one in Wayland Wood. It is easy to identify as either a Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha austrica) or a Ruby Elf Cup (S.coccinea). Although small hairs on the outside of the cup, visible with an eye glass can give a clue, it really needs microscopic examination of the spores to be sure. They are classed as Ascomycetes and quite different to the stem, cap and gills structure we know in the edible mushrooms we buy at the greengrocer or supermarket. Many new species of fungi are still being discovered. Mycologists debate identification and classification changes over time but we can all marvel at the huge variety to be found in...

Regular Bird Sightings in Saham

Saham Wildlife Group - Local Bird Report The group over recent years has been looking at the number and variety of species of birds we see in this part of Norfolk, i.e. our village. In view of the constant concern about climate change and the environment, we are making an attempt to list not the number of birds, but different species, as we feel this gives an overall view of the bird population here at this time. We believe other people in Saham are concerned and so below we publish our lists to date, which cover the specific area of the “Wildlife Corridor” running between the Bird Sanctuary and Broom Hall. We are keen that people around the village will get involved so that further breeds can be noted from areas like the Mere and Farmland. If you feel interested do either contact us via info@sahamtoneywildlife.org or better still, come down and visit our table at the Wildlife section of the Autumn Fete at Wells Cole Community Centre in Saham Toney on Saturday 5th October between 2.00...

Welcome

There has been a lot of discussion about Climate Change and its effect on wildlife and Human Resources around the World over recent years.  Our group has been set up as a People's Record of the position of our Wildlife around us here in Saham, watching and recording how things change and are affected as climate and attitudes alter. The areas we feel we can make a useful contribution to are as listed in our introduction, and being a low-lying village with especial interest in the effect of increased rainfall and water retention.  Wildlife Trusts around the Country are setting up "Toolkits" for parishes to get to work on similar projects, and we have no intention of competing.  We would pass on any information they might ask for, but we are a group of  Wildlife Enthusiasts who saw the needs and got on with the job. We are a basic group of five at the moment, and would like to gather a number of people around us who feel as we do and who would support what we are doing....