A 'very rare' Phaeoloepiota Aurea mushroom has been found growing in the woods near Grange. 

The mushroom is also known as the 'Golden Bootleg.' It is found across the UK, but it is very rare, and it is the only fungi in the Phaeolepiota genus. Until the 1920s, scientists struggled to identify it. 

Cumbria Wildlife Trust (CWT) conservation manager David Harpley spotted the mushroom growing in abundance near the private Ulpha Wood, which is near Grange. The fungus has a chunky stem and a cap that can reach 20-30cm across. The Funghi Cumbria group helped identify the mushroom. 

However, the mushroom is dangerous to consume as it contains a high concentration of cadmium and cyanide. It has been known to cause severe stomach upsets. In the past, it was considered edible because cooking reduces toxicity, however, scientists no longer think this brings it down to an acceptable level.