• This family of toadstools goes by the name of Hygrocybe, meaning "moist head". They have a high water content within a waterproof waxy layer. Some are covered with a slimy layer on the cap.
• They are saprophytes growing free within the soil. They are found on open grassland, where the sun and wind create very drying conditions. Their relatively small size and high water content allow them to survive in such conditions.
• They are very sensitive to the high nitrogen content of artificial fertiliser and are indicators of ancient unfertilised grassland. A good site may contain a dozen to twenty species; a site that has been treated with artificial fertiliser is unlikely to have more than one or two species.
• Their distribution in Britain is mainly towards the wetter west and north. Cumbria is therefore a good place to look for them, especially on the low fells, on limestone commons and in dune slacks.
• They form an interesting group because of the variety of colour and gill form. Some species are very similar and require specialist identification; there is still much discussion as to which actually form separate species or are variations.

There are very few species I can actually identify - this is a selection of possible candidates, some may even be the same species as character can vary! All were photographed on Birkrigg Common, Ulverston - some may not even belong to the Hygrocybe family. A selection is offered below that illustrate the variety that is possible on one site - any help with identification will be gratefully received!

• On the same grassland site were three of the "finger" fungi. Very careful searching in the grass is needed as you are looking for something in size between a 1p and 2p coin! From the left they are Apricot Club, White Spindles and Meadow Coral.