Survey - Fungi

While the first two articles explored the Regency architecture and the slow-moving flowers of the estate, this chapter digs deeper into the soil. In Autumn 2025, a survey of the southern boundary of Powys House uncovered a hidden network of fungi that tells a story of a lost woodland.

1. Fungi as Biological Historians

Fungi offer a much more stable and long-lasting record of past vegetation than trees themselves. This is due to symbiosis:

• Mycorrhizal Relationships: Many fungi form mutualistic bonds with the roots of specific tree species.

• The Mycelium Network: While a mushroom (the "fruit") may only appear for a few days, the underground fungal network (mycelium) can live for decades or even centuries after its host tree has died or been felled.

2. The Case of the Missing Beech and Birch

The 2025 survey identified 25 species of fungi on the grounds. A significant number of these species are biologically tied to trees that are largely missing from the modern landscape:

• Beech-Associated Species: Fungi such as the Blackening Brittlegill, Charcoal Burner, and Panthercap indicate that Beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) actively grew in this soil for a significant period.

• Birch-Associated Species: Species like the Birch Bolete and Bearded Milkcap point to the historical presence of Birch (Betula).

Why are the trees gone?

While the magnificent Sweet Chestnut can live for over 600 years, the trees these fungi remember have shorter lifespans:

• Beech: Usually live between 300–400 years.

• Silver Birch: Short-lived pioneer species that generally live only 60 to 100 years.

The fungi suggest that the southern boundary was once a denser, more diverse line of trees than the single Sweet Chestnut we see today. It is likely that beech and birch were planted alongside the chestnut but have since died out or were felled.

3. Evidence of an Unmanaged Past

The survey also noted that the southern border provides a perfect "wild" habitat for these fungi. The environment features:

• Dense leaf litter and fallen branches.

• An understory of ivy, bramble, and holly, which is typical of beech woodland.

• Felled tree stumps that support "rotting wood" specialists like the White-laced Shank and Pale Brittlestem.

This suggests that this specific area of the grounds has remained unmanaged for a considerable period, allowing the ancient fungal record to persist undisturbed.