Magpie inkcaps, a striking mushroom species, with remnants of a protective veil forming irregular white patches over the grey or black fibrous surface of the cap.
Most field guides describe this species as preferring beech woods on chalky soil, an environment not found in the west midlands. These mushrooms, and others which will feature in the next two posts, are the first magpie inkcaps I’ve ever seen. They were growing under an oak tree in the park in Bridgnorth castle grounds – perhaps brought in on the wood mulch which had been spread thickly there.