guess the mushroom

Looks a bit like 'parasol' where was it?

It's a partly-open parasol mushroom. Give it a bit longer and the cap would turn out more regular, but it's still trying to detach itself from its sheath. The sheath usually stays as a ragged little ring around the stalk, which then becomes a good identifying feature. All those brown flaky scales are another good distinguishing feature... but you get similar things on other species too. Hard to tell the scale from the picture, but if it's a BIG mushroom, then it's edible, but there are smaller fellas that look like this one that might give you belly-ache. So... assuming it's a BIG parasol... fry the entire cap (not the stalk) and don't use too much fat or you'll spoil the delicious taste and make the texture all soggy.

DW wrote (see)

It was a big mushroom Paddy, and Bloof it was up on the north devon coast between Woolacombe and Ilfracombe

I meant what 'type' of terrain... meadown, edge of woodland etc.. I shall assume it was in open country shall I?

Paddy- Outstanding! Is there anything you don't know about? I doubt most know much about funghi but would want to. In case anyone is interested the LDNP used to run mushroom walks this time of year IIRC. Parents went on a few. Usually in southern Lakes like around the Whitbarrow area.

Got some shots of some nice bracket type funghi. One looks like a bell and the other like a nose. Both the same species. Must post on here to see if the could be identified. I always wonder about bracket types of mushrooms whether any are edible and worth eating. I know some make a good means to carry the means to light a fire without a match and others were used to strop a razor (after treatment with saltpetre and nailing ot a board). Funghi are interesting things.

I expect the cow-pat had a soft chewy texture

Pipe Cleaner... I certainly don't know much about fungi... but I'm still here!

The trick is to be absolutely certain that you can identify those mushrooms that are first and foremost edible, and second, can't be mixed up with any other species. There are plenty fitting the bill... including parasols, penny buns, puffballs, ink caps, etc.

A note about ink caps... they come in 'shaggy' and 'smooth' varieties. Both are edible, but if you like an alcoholic drink with your meal... DON'T eat the 'smooth' ones, or you'll puke!

woozle wrote (see)

Macrolepiota procera. Don't know what it is in english sorry.

In English... parasol mushroom!