The are about 60 species of ink cap to be found in Britain, a group of fungi which make up the genus Coprinus.
The Shaggy Ink Cap, Coprinus comatus, is also known as Lawyer's Wig. It said to be good to eat when young either steamed or made into a more substantial dish with cheese and breadcrumbs, and is regarded by some as one of the most tasty fungi.
Some fungi are highly poisonous. Edible and poisonous types may be similar in appearance, even closely related. Wild fungi should not be eaten unless you are certain of the type and that it is edible.