If you ask someone to draw a mushroom, chances are they will draw a red cap with white dots and a stalk, but they have probably never seen one like this outside of a book. I saw these elusive mushrooms for the first time this autumn when we went to Dalby Forest.

It was early morning and the mist was rolling across the forest, making everything slightly damp. I love forests at this time of year, with the decomposing leaves creating that autumn smell, letting you know that winter is getting closer. I had come with my family to go on a forest walk, and that’s when I saw it.

The vibrant eye-catching colour was instantly recognisable. I had only ever seen them in books and pictures! I felt so lucky to have seen the fly agaric mushroom, so called because they can be used to make an insecticide that kills flies. I was overjoyed to have seen one, let alone a large clump together on the damp and spongy forest floor covered in pine needles and leaves. I felt as though I was in a fairytale!

The bit of the mushroom we see only lasts one to three weeks, but the underground network lives for many years and is ready to send up more caps throughout the autumn months while it is wet. Next year I’ll definitely look out for more of these magical mushrooms, and remember – these ones are not for eating!
Mia, 11

Read today’s other YCD, by Sachin, eight: ‘Silence in the hide for a rare and beautiful bird’