Pixie’s Painting Prank Baffles British Waterways

22 September 2008

Bosses at British Waterways have been baffled this week by the surprise appearance of giant fungi on the Regent's Canal near Victoria Park, east London.

Reports of the toadstools, formerly recognised as mooring bollards, began pouring in to British Waterways this week with staff, boaters, walkers and cyclists all noticing their distinctive spotted livery. The red and white spotted toadstools are from the Fly-Agaric family and are widely known as 'magic mushrooms'.

Commonly used by fairy folk and magical spirits, their arrival on the towpath is being dubbed as the biggest mystery since the Cottingley Fairies. However, sightings of little men in pointed shoes, bright waistcoats and tall hats with bells on are currently unconfirmed.

Waterway supervisor, Jamey France said: "The waterways are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, but these toadstools are an exciting new addition. Waterways have always had a magical appeal. They are a relatively undiscovered green haven in the city, where you can escape the hustle and bustle, get close to nature and relax. And now there's even a chance that you could spot some fairy folk as you travel the towpaths."

Talk on the towpath is that the fairy dust which brought the toadstools to the area will wear off early next week, returning the bollards to their previous form.

Jamey continued: "Whilst the pixie pranksters made us smile, the toadstools can’t stay here for ever. Apart from there now being not mushroom to moor, there is an elf and safety issue and returning the bollards to their normal state is goblin up money that's better spent looking after the canal."

ENDS

Images of the toadstools are available - please contact Victoria Shooter mb 07796 610 427