The Giant Puffball doesn’t

form in the summer and early autumn.

Fungi are usually perennial organisms, the web of mycelium from which their fruiting-bodies (such as puffballs and mushrooms) grow being permanently in the soil. So it is that Giant Puffballs require permanent pasture, though they are occasionally found off-piste on ancient compost heaps or in nettle-beds.

Famously, Giant Puffballs are edible, but they need to be collected at the right time.

‘Young and firm’ is the only rule, that is, pure white, the texture of a young Horse Mushroom, and no bigger than a football.

At this stage of growth, the flesh within will be completely white.

Sally Cooke lives in Tolpuddle with her husband, two grown-up sons and spotty rescue dog. She loves to photograph and write about the everyday wildlife she sees in her garden and on her daily dog walks. You can follow Sally on Instagram at Sparrows in a Puddle.