As autumn rolled in this year, our hay meadows came alive with a surprising cast of fungi. From tiny orange discs hiding in the moss to glossy red waxcaps gleaming like jewels in the dew, we realised that our fields are home to far more life than we’d ever noticed.
Once you start looking, the world of mushrooms and toadstools in the Peak District opens up — and it’s magical. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve found in our own patch, what else you might spot across the wider Peak, and a few things to keep in mind as you explore.
What We Found in the Meadows (We Think - We're Still Learning Too...)
Our hay meadows, which haven’t been ploughed or heavily fertilised for generations, are a perfect haven for what ecologists call “waxcap grassland fungi”. These fungi thrive in old, low-nutrient grasslands — a habitat now quite rare across the UK.
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Crimson Waxcap (Hygrocybe punicea) – deep red and slightly sticky, standing tall in the shorter grass.
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Snowy Waxcap (Cuphophyllus virgineus) – small, pure white, and gleaming in morning light.
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Butter Waxcap (Hygrocybe ceracea) – cheerful yellow, hiding among the moss.
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Fairy Clubs and Earth Tongues – slender, finger-like fungi poking from mossy patches like tiny candles.
- And More!
Each of these species is a sign of a healthy, undisturbed grassland, which we are really proud of. They tell a story about how the land has been cared for — gently grazed, not over-managed, and left to evolve naturally over decades.
What Else You Could Find Across the Peak District
Once your eyes are tuned in, you’ll start seeing fungi everywhere. The Peak District is a fungi hotspot — from the limestone dales to the gritstone moors, every habitat offers something unique.
In Old Woodlands
Around places like Padley Gorge, Longshaw, and Lathkill Dale, you might spot:
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Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) – the iconic red toadstool with white spots under birch and pine.
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Amethyst Deceiver (Laccaria amethystina) – a shimmering violet mushroom in leaf litter.
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Penny Bun (Boletus edulis) – the prized “cep”, if you’re lucky enough to find one.
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Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) – colourful bracket fungi fanning out on fallen logs.
On the Moorlands
Up on the higher moors, fungi cling to cooler, wetter ground:
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Tiny peat-loving fungi emerge amongst sphagnum moss.
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You might even see orange or black crusts growing on old heather stems — humble but vital recyclers in the upland ecosystem.
Around Streams and Shady Banks
In damp hollows, fallen branches and leaf litter provide food for jelly fungi, inky caps, and a range of delicate species that appear overnight and vanish just as quickly.
A Word of Caution — and Care
It’s tempting to pick a few mushrooms for the basket, but the Peak District’s fungi are part of a delicate web of life. Here’s what we’ve learned and want to pass on:
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Look, don’t loot – Many of these fungi, especially waxcaps, grow slowly and rely on undisturbed soils. Taking them can harm future growth.
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Watch your step – Old meadows and mossy banks can be easily damaged by trampling. Stick to paths where you can, and avoid wet or boggy areas that churn underfoot.
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Be sure before you pick – Some edible-looking species have dangerous doubles. The Fly Agaric is beautiful but toxic, and even “safe” mushrooms can upset some people.
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Know where you are – Certain sites in the Peak are of international importance for their fungi. Longshaw Estate and the South West Peak, for instance, are protected because of their rare waxcap grasslands.
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Take a camera, not a knife – Photos are safer, longer-lasting, and help with identification later.
Why These Finds Matter
Discovering fungi in our meadows has changed how we see our land. They’re not just decoration — they’re indicators of soil health, biodiversity, and long-term stability. Fungi break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and form vital partnerships with plants and trees.
In a world where ancient grasslands are disappearing, the presence of waxcaps, earth tongues, and fairy clubs is something to celebrate — and to protect.
Go and See for Yourself
If you get the chance this autumn, take a slow walk through a meadow or woodland in the Peak District. The best time is after rain, when the air smells earthy and the grass glistens. You might be surprised at what you find — a flash of red in the moss, a fairy club poking through, or a patch of golden waxcaps glowing like lanterns.
The Peak’s fungi are one of its quietest wonders — fragile, fleeting, and unforgettable.