MWT have been working with the IOM Fungus Group and Manx farmers ( through the Agri-Environment Scheme) to survey the most important grassland sites on the Isle of Man.

Kew Gardens have just confirmed to the IOM Fungus Group, that a specimen collected at Ballaskyr, Michael is Butterscotch Waxcap Gliophorus europerplexus, yet another new species for the Island.

This find is of real global significance.

NBN Atlas contains only two records in Wales (where the species was first described in 2013). It has also been recorded in northern Spain, with only 70 specimens recorded worldwide. IUCN 3.1 classes it as Vulnerable to Extinction. It is an indicator of mycologically rich but nutrient-poor old grasslands.

The specimen now forms part of the fungarium at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Many thanks go to Liz Charter of the IOM Fungus Group for collecting and for the fabulous photo!