Stumbling on the funnel troop in Scotland

Hello Hello Hivians, fellow Hive photographers and everyone else who has stumbled in here!

Friday is here, but I am going back to a hike from last week. Saturday to be exact.

I tell you what, when you get lost, you find some cracking things!

This was no exception, we were trying to circumnavigate a lake.

Then we stumbled upon these...

I am not a mushroom or fungi expert. I just know I fluffing love them!

Aren't these just fluffing braw?

This pair had fallen over.

The Trooping Funnel

I believe this is a troop of Trooping Funnels that we had stumbled upon! Their fancy name according to gemini is (Infundibulicybe geotropa, formerly known as Clitocybe geotropa).

The Trooping Funnel is a saprotrophic fungus, meaning it feeds on decaying organic matter, particularly leaf litter. It is commonly found in deciduous and mixed woodlands.

Its most distinctive feature is its gregarious growth habit—it rarely grows alone. It appears in large, dense groups called "troops" or in massive circular formations known as "fairy rings," some of which can be huge and ancient.

They were quite large, and I put my foot against this one for comparison. I do have quite big feet so this was no button mushroom!

You can see why it gets the funnel name here....

Did I pick them?

Fluff no!
Actually I think they were past their best...

Google lens did identify what I thought it was and Gemnini gave me this warning!

General Rule: Due to the risk of confusing it with deadly species, the Trooping Funnel is only recommended for very experienced foragers who are absolutely certain of their identification based on all key characteristics (size, habitat, decurrent gills, and scent). If in doubt, never consume a wild mushroom.

Photography details...

Date Saturday 25th October 2025.
Time around 2.30pm - 2.45pm.
Location close to Raith Lake in Kirkcaldy, Scotland
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone camera.

What do you think?

Thanks for visiting and enjoy the rest of your week!