Hygrocybe calyptriformis Pink Waxcap

Also known as the Ballerina, this fungus has a pointed rose-pink cap that feels waxy, pink gills below and a pinky-white stalk. Its height and colouring make it hard to miss! It likes to grow in old, short grassland, often pastures, lawns or churchyards.

The main threat is habitat destruction or improvement through the application of fertilisers, or by stopping grazing or mowing. It is probably more frequent in the UK than anywhere else in the world so we have an important international responsibility for it.