Fungi can be found all year round here but the best time to find lots of different varieties is in
autumn.

The native, well-established woods of Scotland provide one of the richest fungal habitats in the whole of the British Isles. Larger fungi are generally confined to woodland and grassland ranging from lowlands to uplands. Moss beds are another great place to look for fungi as moss protects the fungus from desiccation and provides insulation and a damp environment which encourages fungal growth. But woodlands are the best place to look for fungi as they provide such varied places for them to live.

Each species has its own particular niche, be it on old wood, tree roots or simply gaining nutrition from the humus. The more species of trees and other flowering plants present, the more species of fungi are likely to be found. Some fungi are found only on certain parts of that host. For instance some grow only on the leaves, fruit or woody debris of a particular species, while others may be confined to large boughs or the finer twigs.

Some of the fungi you may come across on the South Side of Loch Ness are Shaggy Inkcap, Fly Agaric, Birch Polypore, Amethyst Deceiver, Turkeytail, Grey Spotted Amanita, Hedgehog Fungus, Cep and Chicken of the Woods to name a few.