This enchanting red fungus scattered with white warts is often found beneath birch trees in autumn. When they first emerge, Fly Agaric are almost entirely enclosed in white warts, but as they grow the vibrant red dome becomes apparent. Their white spots can be removed through contact with animals or strong weather conditions so some may be found looking rather sparse. You can expect to see these colourful fruiting bodies between August and November.

This fairy-tale fungus is highly toxic, but some animals still manage to stomach it, such as red squirrels, slugs and fungus gnats, who lay their eggs on the fungus, which subsequently feed on the fruiting body once they have hatched. The Fly Agaric was traditionally used as an insecticide for house flies; the Latin name muscaria coming from the word musca which means ‘a fly’.

During Victorian and Edwardian times, this white-spotted fungus was common on Christmas cards as it was a sign of good luck and symbolised the colours of Father Christmas’s classic red and white suit.

Fungi play a vital role within our ecosystem, they break down decaying organic matter, returning important nutrients to the soil and provide food and shelter for animals, so please leave them where you find them. If you would like to see fungi closer to home, try leaving log piles and dead wood in green spaces.

Essex Wildlife Trust reserves you can expect to see this exquisite mushroom:

Belfairs Woodland Centre, Leigh on Sea, SS9 4LR

Langdon Visitor Centre, Basildon, SS16 6EJ

Cockaynes Wood nature reserve, Colchester, CO7 9JX

Thrift Wood nature reserve, Bicknacre, CM3 4HW

 Pound Wood nature reserve, Benfleet, SS7 2UW