Eighteen walkers set off from Loftus Town Hall on Thursday 15th October under a persistent drizzle to join the North East Fungi Recorder to carry out an examination of fungi species present in woodland known as “The  Warren” , a historic plantation dating  back at least  200 years. Over a 3 hour period the group identified over 20 species including Velvet Shank, Bloody Brittlegill , Russula Emetica , Aniseed Funnel, Birch Knight , Amethyst Deceiver and grey spotted Amanita.  Loftus say “These decomposers are fascinating organisms , many displaying exceptional colours and providing clues of tree species occupying the land through centuries. We compiled our list of species to add to the record.”