5. Fungi
Most fungi are saprophytes, which is to say that they feed on decaying plant and animal material. Most of the obvious species are soil-dwellers growing on woody material in the soil. This and the fact that their life-style is naturally suited to acid soils, makes Portland a difficult place for fungi to live. In spite of this a good range of fungi are found on the island, mainly in the limestone turf of the cliff-tops. Here they are an important stage in the nutrient cycle, liberating minerals and nitrates that would otherwise be locked-up in soil particles. Many plants, particularly trees and orchids, are totally dependent on such soil fungi.
Independent Quarry does not appear to have any species at present, but no doubt some species are already in the soil heaps in microscopic form. More species will become evident as soil forms on the limestone bunds. The table below lists species which have been found in similar habitats elsewhere on the island.
click here to view the list of Fungi likely to colonize Portland quarries in a new window
References for Section 5.
1. Bowen, H. (2000) The Flora of Dorset, Pisces Publications
7. Mansfield, J. and Mowday, P. (1999) The Fungi of Portland: an interim checklist, in Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre Report for 1999