Dump becomes reserve.

A POWYS field, close to where tens of thousands of animals were buried during the foot-and-mouth crisis, is to become the first area in Britain to be protected for its toadstools.

Disgwylfa, near the Sennybridge army ranges at Epynt, is to be designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for fungi.

The Countryside Council for Wales is anxious to preserve local colonies of waxcaps, earth tongues and fairy clubs.

Ray Woods, CCW's fungi expert and Area Officer for East Wales, said: "Disgwylfa is home to more than 20 different types of waxcaps and some of them are so rare they don't even have common English or Welsh names yet."

Recent surveys by the CCW have shown how important Wales is for grassland mushrooms and toadstools.

The Sennybridge army ranges, owned by the Ministry of Defence, were the focus of local unrest in the Spring when tens of thousands of animal carcasses were buried.

But life has since returned to normal and Pat Butler, Commandant for the Ranges, said: "We have recently launched a new management plan for Sennybridge and we are looking forward to working with CCW to conserve these features.

"Practical measures in the plan will mean that military training will continue but in a way that will not harm this special site."

For a fungi leaflet, contact Ceri Lyn Jones on 01248 385500.