As the golden leaves carpet the woodland floor, Burnham Beeches near Slough transforms into a wonderland for fungi lovers. This ancient beech and oak woodland is one of the richest sites in the UK for fungi—with more than 900 recorded species thriving among its mossy roots, fallen logs, and damp leaf litter.
Autumn is the best season to explore this hidden world. Wander the winding paths and you’ll soon spot the bright red caps of fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), that iconic fairy-tale toadstool dotted with white spots.
Look closer, and the forest reveals a cast of characters: delicate mycena species glowing in shaded hollows, earthy boletes hiding under beech roots, and the sculptural bracket fungi fanning out from old tree trunks like natural art installations.
Look closer, and the forest reveals a cast of characters: delicate mycena species glowing in shaded hollows, earthy boletes hiding under beech roots, and the sculptural bracket fungi fanning out from old tree trunks like natural art installations.
Among the Beeches’ rare finds are oak polypore and bearded tooth fungus, both nationally scarce species that indicate the ancient continuity of the woodland. The fallen timber and decaying leaves create perfect conditions for these decomposers, which recycle nutrients back into the forest and sustain countless insects, plants, and birds.
In the shadier glades, you might spot clusters of delicate mycena species glowing with translucent caps, or the coral-like shapes of clavaria fungi rising from the moss. If you’re lucky, you could encounter one of Burnham Beeches’ rare treasures: the bearded tooth fungus (Hericium erinaceus), a shaggy white cascade resembling icicles, or the oak polypore (Buglossoporus quercinus), a protected species that only grows on ancient oaks.
Each species plays a vital role—breaking down dead wood, feeding the soil, and supporting insects and wildlife. From the tiniest pin moulds to the grandest brackets, Burnham Beeches’ fungi are a reminder of how much life thrives unseen beneath our feet.
