We’re currently in the grip of Storm Amy, our first named storm of the season; thus far, she’s just bringing constant heavy rain to us in south Wales but is forecast to bring strong winds later tonight and tomorrow. Still, after this summer’s drought, rain is welcome and, though I got drenched during my quick morning walk, I did find some of the positive effects of the rain: fungi.

I’m a bit out of practice identifying fungi – my enthusiasm diminished when I was confronted with the need to examine many finds with a microscope to identify them, and died completely when potential foragers wanted to know where my finds were located. For me, fungi should be left for small creatures to consume; humans can buy theirs at the supermarket or grow their own!

Anyhoo, I may be wrong but I think these boletes are the species Suillus luteus, also known as Slippery Jacks, a name that is probably derived from the viscous feel of their caps when wet. These were very slimy, and they fit the criteria listed in my guide book: growing under a pine tree, with yellow pores, and a yellowish stem with small brownish dots. They are edible … but don’t ask me where I found them.