The Ring That Keeps Growing

Bigger every year

A fairy ring does not stay the same size. It gets bigger!

Each year, the fungus in the middle uses up all its food. So the middle slowly dies away.

But the outside edge keeps eating and growing. It pushes further out into fresh soil. So the ring grows wider and wider, year after year.

Why the grass changes color

Remember the grass clue from our first lesson? Now we can solve it.

As the fungus eats old bits in the soil, it lets out something plants love. It is called nitrogen. Nitrogen is like a natural plant food.

So the grass near the ring often grows tall, thick, and dark green. It got an extra snack from the fungus!

In other spots, the busy fungus soaks up the water first. There the grass may turn brown and thirsty. That is why a fairy ring can have green rings and brown rings at the same time.

Some rings are ancient

Because a ring grows a little each year, an old ring can get truly enormous.

One famous fairy ring in France is about 600 metres wide. That is longer than many running tracks! Experts think it may be around 700 years old.

Think about that. That fungus was already growing hundreds of years before you were born, and it is still growing today.

You are a fairy ring detective now

You cracked the mystery! Let's remember what you learned:

• A fairy ring is a circle of mushrooms in the grass.

• Long ago, people made up stories about fairies, witches, and dragons.

• The real maker is one hungry fungus spreading in a circle underground.

• The ring grows bigger every year and can live for hundreds of years.

And the golden rule stays the same: look, wonder, and record, but never touch, pick, or eat wild mushrooms.

Next time you spot a circle in the grass, you will smile. You know the real magic hiding underground!