FUNGUS hunters have discovered a rare specimen growing in the West Dorset countryside.

The fungus battarraea phalloides is extremely rare in England but can sometimes be found in areas around London and East Anglia.

It was discovered by Heather Starkings of Corscombe at a secret location and River Cottage mushroom man John Wright confirmed the find.

Mr Wright, who wrote the River Cottage Mushroom book, said it was a very exciting find.

"Battarraea phalloides also known as the Sandy Stiltball is very rare and this is the first record of it in Dorset," he said.

"It is one of only four species specifically protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - it is illegal to pick it or disturb its habitat. It is also a Red Data Book species and the subject of Biodiversity action plans."

Mr Wright explained that the fungus, which is about 20cm tall and usually grows in sandy areas, was found under a cypress tree by the side of the road.

He said: "It was in peaty soil with no sign of sand nearby at all. Fungi don't read books and often refuse to live up to their names."

Mrs Starkings has been an avid fungi hunter for a few years and has been on several of Mr Wright's day courses at Kingcombe nature reserve.

He said: "I told Heather that this was the find of a lifetime - like finding the first county record of the Lady Slipper Orchid or something - I am very jealous."

The fungi has a tough shaggy stem and a small cap-like structure covered in brown spores. Like the Stinkhorn it grows out of a gelatinous sac in the ground.

"I have collected some spores which, along with a photo, I will send to Kew Gardens," he said.