A rare species of fungus, never before found in Wales, has been discovered at Aberbargoed Grasslands National Nature Reserve.
The fungus, Spongy Mazegill, was unearthed by site ranger Mark Allen in February and has been confirmed by a leading UK mycologist at the Royal Botanical Gardens, in Kew.
There are no previous records of this fungus in Wales on the national database run by the British Mycological (fungus) Society. This is an extremely rare species previously known only from a few locations in the southeast of England and the New Forest.
The fungus is especially important as it is used as one of the indicators to define British Beech woodlands of high conservation value.
Cllr Ken James, cabinet member for regeneration, planning and sustainable development, said: “This new and exciting discovery shows how vital the conservation work at Aberbargoed Grasslands is to protecting the varied and rare species living side by side with the urban community.
“I am pleased that earlier this year Aberbargoed Grasslands was awarded further funding from Welsh Government to continue improving community access to this wonderful resource. Through education we can ensure that the flora and fauna can continue to thrive and in doing so enhance the lives of the communities neighbouring this green oasis.”
Spongy Mazegill grows on the rotting wood of broadleaved trees, either on damaged standing trunks or large fallen branches. This fungus has a strikingly patterned lower surface, which has maze-like pores that split into irregular plates and teeth with age.
Aberbargoed Grasslands was designated as National Nature Reserve by the Countryside Council for Wales last year and was the first reserve in Wales to be found in an urban setting.