A rare and weird fungus has been discovered in a local nature reserve in Swansea and is thought to be the first recorded find in Wales.
The Latticed Stinkhorn or Red Cage has erupted in a blaze of colour at Bishop’s Wood Local Nature Reserve near Caswell and has caught the eye of local nature officers in Swansea Council.
The rare and smelly species of fungus has been known to show up in parts of southern England, especially in coastal areas, but according to the National Biodiversity Network website, there have been no recorded sightings of it in Wales.
Jo Mullett, Swansea Council’s Biodiversity Education Officer, said: “It’s quite an exciting find. Bishop’s Wood Local Nature Reserve is a unique place and it is important that we protect and manage the reserve for biodiversity.
“The reserve is protected because of its priority species and habitats. The fact that the reserve is now the first site in Wales to record an example of the Latticed Stinkhorn makes it even more special.”
The reserve has already been awarded one of only two green flags for nature reserves in Wales and in 2004, Bishop’s Wood Nature Reserve Roundhouse won a Lord Mayor’s Design Award. The Roundhouse has added another dimension to the reserve an already popular attraction for walkers and visitors.
The Council has now produced a guide to Bishop’s Wood Local Nature Reserve. The guide features three guided nature walks and a map that highlights footpaths and attractions within the reserve.
Jo added: “Many regular walkers can use the guide to find out a little more about what the nature reserve has to offer. It’s also a useful tool for schools to use if they are visiting the area.”
Local Nature Reserves are sites of high nature conservation value or which have local wildlife or geological interest and are of particular value for community enjoyment, involvement and education. They are designated by local authorities with advice and help from the Countryside Council for Wales.
Bishop’s Wood Local Nature Reserve was declared a local nature reserve in 1975.
There are currently six Local Nature Reserves in Swansea.
