HIYA,
Been taking wildlife photos for several years and have turned my attention to fungi. Big problem with identifing them. Have the books, read the descriptions, still lost !!! Any basic ideas or methods that could help would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers[/b]

Hi Jinx,
It takes a lot of time and experience to be able to identify most types of fungi. Even field guides arent really enough. I would just suggest studying up on them a lot and getting some field experience. Also try to join a mycology society or talk to some people who belong to one. It is very overwhelming from the start. I have been into it for years, so long that I lost count and I still cant ID a lot of my findings down to species. However I try to focus on genera. It is not always possible to get an exact species ID without the aid of a microscope or mycologist. The majority of the mushroom species out there are not listed in the common field guides. Being familar with the many genera can certainly help. And getting to know and use keys is also important. Remeber not to consume anything unless it is 100% positively identified.
Good luck.

I agree with 'C's comments, Mycology can be confusing and bewildering- it also can be fun. No one can hope to positively ID every species they find.

I'm a member of a local mycology group and I have found it invaluable in furthering my interest in fungi. It has also helped in id'ing species where I would've been unable to ,due to other members' experience.

If you take piccies of fungi, place a link to them in one of the forums- It'll be interesting to see.

Good luck and dont get too disheartened when you are unable to ID some species- we all suffer with that problem at some time.

Mark

Yup...the mushrooms realm can be overwhelming in the beginning.

I was lucky to be introduced to mushroom at a early age, as my father and uncle loved mushroom hunting.

Like the others said, a Mycological society is a great place to start.

Finding a knowledgeable friends or associate to bring you out on a few hunts can gain you mush experience too.

Since I see you live in the UK, this site should be some help to you: www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/