LOCAL charity Monmouthshire Meadows Group launched their new publication called ‘Grassland Fungi – A Field Guide’ on 22nd October with an event at Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Pentwyn Farm reserve in Penallt.

About 75 people attended the day which included walks to find and identify fungi.

The book is written by local ecologist Elsa Wood from Tintern, together with Jon Dunkelman, a fungi enthusiast who lives on The Narth.

This is the first guide to focus exclusively on grassland fungi and to be aimed at the amateur naturalist.

The Wye Valley has a number of old established meadows and pastures where these fungi are most prolific.

However, identification can be difficult for anyone who isn’t an expert and this field guide aims to help anyone recognise species found in fields and gardens locally and across Britain.

Descriptions of over 170 species are included as are 800 colour photographs representing fungi in various stages of development.

The survey work was all conducted on sites in the Wye Valley between Symonds Yat and Chepstow over the last three years.

The book is distributed by Natural History retailer NHBS (www.nhbs.com) priced at £19.99.

It can also be ordered through local bookshops.