A RARE and distinctive fungi species has been spotted on a Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve near Holsworthy.

Hazel gloves (Hypocreopsis rhododendri) fungus can be found in hazel woodland in western Britain. It was recorded for the first time at Devon Wildlife Trust's Vealand Farm nature reserve, near Holsworthy, last week.

Likened in appearance to miniature rubber gloves, this fungus sometimes grows on blackthorn, but is primarily found on hazel, hence the name 'hazel gloves', although in Sweden it is known as 'trollhand.'

The fungus was found by DWT reserves assistant Adam Rhodes, who said: "We were delighted to spot hazel gloves on a hedgerow at Vealand Farm as it's really rare — it's classified as 'Near Threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.