A critically endangered fungus reintroduced to the UK, where it had been extinct, is still not growing but scientists say it is too early to suggest a project to save it has failed.

Parts of the fungus known as willow gloves were moved from the Scottish borders to woodlands in Cumbria in March last year.

Natural England fungi specialist Matt Wainhouse said this type of relocation had not been tried before and had not been straightforward.

Some specimens had since been eaten by rodents and others would not grow but Mr Wainhouse said this “doesn’t mean the fungi is dead or that this has failed - it’s just too early to tell”.