Fungi & Lichens
in Dunsany
Fungi and lichens recycle nutrients, support plant growth, and provide habitat for wildlife. In rewilding at Dunsany, they enhance biodiversity, soil health, and overall ecosystem resilience.
Fungi & Lichens
Dunsany Estate is just beginning an ecological assessment of its bryophyte and lichen communities. We’ve invited universities and their ecological, botanical, and postgraduate students to help uncover what’s here. There is so much more to come.
Lichens in Dunsany Estate
Lichens of Irish Woodlands
Lichens are symbiotic associations between a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria, functioning as a single organism but not classified as plants. The fungus provides structure and protection, while the algae or cyanobacteria produce food through photosynthesis.
Highly adaptable, lichens can colonise surfaces from tree bark to bare rock, playing a key role in soil formation and serving as indicators of air quality. In ecosystems like Dunsany, they contribute to biodiversity, support invertebrates, and help maintain ecological balance.
Explore the Lichens in Dunsany Estate
- Grey, ruffled thallus; used as a spice and in Ayurvedic medicine for digestive/skin
health
- Bluish-green, scale-like growth on bark in humid woodlands
- Powdery bluish-white crust on shaded bark
- Tiny stalked cups in bog-edge woods
- Delicate cup-bearing lichen found in bog margins
Fungi in Dunsany Estate
Fungi of Irish Woodlands
Fungi rival Ireland’s flowering plants in diversity and ecological importance – from microscopic threads to impressive fruiting bodies. They can be lifesaving (Penicillium → penicillin) or deadly (ergot on cereals), and they play vital roles as recyclers breaking down wood, leaves, and organic decay. Fungi require organic matter, moisture, and oxygen, thriving in the damp shade of woodland. Their hidden networks of hyphae underline a life very different from plants or animals, sharing traits with both yet belonging to neither.
At Dunsany, formal fungal studies are just beginning. We’ve welcomed university teams, ecologists, botanists, students, into the woodland to explore and map our fungal diversity. This is the first chapter of that discovery, with much more to come.
Explore the Fungi in Dunsany Estate
Agaricus xanthodermus — Yellow-staining mushroom
A common but poisonous species that can be mistaken for edible field mushrooms. It bruises yellow when handled, especially at the base of the stem, and has a chemical or ink-like smell. Causes severe gastrointestinal upset if eaten.
Amanita muscaria — Fly agaric
Easily recognised by its bright red cap with white spots. Contains toxins that can cause hallucinations, nausea, and confusion. While rarely fatal, ingestion can result in serious illness and should be avoided.
Amanita pantherina — Panther cap
A highly toxic species with a brown cap covered in white warts. Contains the same poisonous compounds as Amanita muscaria but in higher concentrations, making it potentially life-threatening.
Amanita phalloides — Death cap
One of the deadliest mushrooms in the world. Pale green to yellowish cap and innocent in appearance, but contains potent amatoxins that can cause fatal liver and kidney failure. Even small amounts can be lethal.
Agaricus augustus — The prince
A large, aromatic mushroom considered edible in some regions but best avoided, as it can be confused with poisonous yellow-staining species. Eating misidentified specimens may lead to severe stomach upset.
Amanita rubescens — The blusher
An edible species only when properly cooked, as it contains toxins that are destroyed by heat. Risky for foragers due to its similarity to deadly Amanita species such as the Panther cap.
Boletus luridus — Lurid bolete
Recognised by its orange pores and blue bruising when cut. Edible only after thorough cooking, but can cause gastric upset in some individuals. Easily confused with toxic red-pored boletes.
Clitocybe nebularis — Clouded agaric
A common, grey-capped mushroom sometimes eaten but known to cause allergic reactions and digestive distress in many people. Best avoided due to inconsistent reports of toxicity.
Agaricus essettei — Large-bulbed mushroom
An edible woodland species with a distinct bulbous base and pleasant mushroom aroma. Should be carefully identified, as it resembles certain toxic Agaricus species.
Agaricus langei — Red-staining wood mushroom
An edible mushroom found in woodland habitats, recognised by its red staining when cut or bruised. Requires accurate identification to avoid confusion with poisonous red-staining lookalikes.
Agaricus silvicola — Wood mushroom
A fragrant, edible mushroom with a faint anise scent, often found in woodlands. Must be distinguished from toxic yellow-staining species before consumption.
Amanita fulva — Tawny grisette
An edible Amanita species with a tawny-brown cap and no ring on the stem. Though safe when correctly identified, extreme caution is needed as it grows among deadly Amanita species.
