A fairy ring in Dee Richmond's Overstrand garden.

Photo: Can you beat this Norfolk fairy ring?

By STEVE DOWNES Wednesday, November 28, 2012
2:44 PM

This is the sight that greeted Dee Richmond when she looked out the window of her house in Overstrand.

The large ring of mushrooms - known as a fairy ring - sprouted in the lawn to produce a perfect picture.

Mrs Richmond said: “I was amazed when I saw it. I remember seeing fairy rings when I was younger, but not in recent years.

“It looks fantastic, and we’ve been careful to not damage it. I was wondering whether anybody else had seen one like this.”

A fairy ring, also known as fairy circle, elf circle, elf ring or pixie ring, is a naturally occurring ring or arc of mushrooms. The rings may grow to over 10 metres in diameter, and they become stable over time as the fungus grows and seeks food underground.

They are found mainly in forested areas, but also appear in grasslands.

They also occupy a prominent place in European folklore as the location of gateways into elfin kingdoms, or places where elves gather and dance.