DID you know that Arley Hall is home to more than 100 species of mushroom?

They may be one of the most unappreciated creations of the natural world but 'Fungalpunk' Dave Higginson-Tranter is doing all he can to change that.

Dave leads between 16 and 20 mushroom walks a year from September to November.

The 50-year-old's next walk is at Arley Hall on Sunday where he will be investigating the many varieties of wild fungi that sprout into life each year. So far he has listed 114 species on the estate's grounds.

He said: "I hope it shocks people into realising just what a bounty of beauty there is out there and how tragic it is to overlook such marvellous intricacy.

"After leading quite a few walks around the grounds I do know the lay of the land somewhat and try to expose some old favourites.

"The red and white spotted fly agaric (amanita muscaria), earth potatoes (scleroderma citrinum) and beefsteak fungus (fistulina hepatica) are always popular but each species has its own delight."

As well as shedding light on one of the mysteries of autumn, Dave will also be talking about the role fungi plays in our lives.

They feature heavily in fairy tales, but also have many practical uses including in food, inks, medicines and alcohol products.

"I throw in many anecdotes throughout the day," added Dave, from Stockport.

"I once held a competition on my website asking people to draw a shaggy inkcap (coprinus comatus) using the ink of that species.

"Using nature to recreate nature is a wonderful thing to do and is simple, free and hopefully inspiring."

Dave fell in love with nature and wildlife as a youngster when he used to collect birds' eggs.

He said: "This was in the glorious stagnant 70s and wasn't frowned upon back then as it rightly is now."

Dave then forgot about the great outdoors when he discovered punk rock, only to fall into it again when he took up birdwatching with his partner Gillian.

The couple then got into flowers, botany, insects and fungi and it went from there.

Dave added: "At some point, 12 years ago now, we attended a fungus walk where the leader failed to show and, by some twisted cruelty, I was put on the spot and asked to lead the walk.

"I was asked back and did a few more over the following years and the rest is history."

Nowadays Dave splits his time between his two passions – nature and punk – and even reckons they have a few things in common.

He reviews punk music from past and present when he is not leading walks.

The 'Fungalpunk' said: "The most significant overlap between the punk rock spirit and the natural world for me is that they embrace many elements that are not fashionable, not in vogue and are drastically overlooked."

Dave is leading two walks at The Grove and Woodland Walk at Arley on Sunday at 11am and 2pm.

He added: "The main thing I want people to take away is appreciation. Appreciation of the fungal world, appreciation of the natural world and appreciation of the vital habitats out there.

"If I can cultivate this emotion then hopefully that will spark enthusiasm and a willingness to get out there, tell others and maybe offer up some assistance in protecting the great outdoors and the many species that reside there.

"An eye for the precious and a willingness to embrace Mother Nature will help keep you moving and motivated."

- The two-hour walks cost £5. Call 01565 777353 to book a place.

DAVID MORGAN