The vast majority of fungi live on the land, mainly in soil or on plant material. Most fungi are saprotrophs, or decomposers, and absorb nutrients from dead organisms, where they play an important role in the cycling of carbon and other elements. Some fungi are parasitic and feed on living organisms, usually plants.
The Leasowes has the most amazing array of fungi gracing its landscape. Species such as The Crimson, Ballerina and Citrine Waxcaps, on the endangered list of species at threat of extinction, have been recorded. Also Pink, Golden and Parrot Waxcaps are amongst the other rare species spotted. Today it’s a fabulous unique landscape where some of the grassland areas have remained undisturbed for centuries and are carefully managed by the wardens at the site. On the 7th February 2019 Natural England declared The Leasowes a biological SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Importance).
