by Leif Goodwin » Fri Apr 30, 2010 9:42 pm
That's shocking. I find it hard to believe that John Wright et al were unaware of the importance of an SSSI.
As I've said elsewhere, there is nothing wrong with modest collecting.
The media love a 'food for free' story, but they rarely make any mention of the conservation and ecological side of the coin. I collected fungi for years until when in Windsor Park I was informed by a well respected ecologist that collecting is not allowed. It was then that I realised that many habitats are scarce, and hence some fungi are very scarce. Field Mushrooms are commonplace, but Leccinum crocipodium are decidedly uncommon. Until we know the true impact of collecting, it is surely prudent to collect only common species such as Black Trumpets, and leave other species. I sometimes collect a scarce species, but only when there are plenty about, and only out of curiosity. I will collect common species such as Black Trumpets, but to be honest most wild mushrooms are over hyped.
Does anyone here know if collecting fungi is damaging? Some say that once the fungus is mature, it has spread a large number of spores. I guess the only way to know the answer is by scientific research. I believe that some controlled studies have been done though I do not know the results. I am sure that the main threat to fungi is loss of habitat. If people become interested in fungi, and then join nature trusts, and help them buy land, that must be beneficial.
My own experience in woods is that those people who walk around with plastic carrier bags overflowing with mushrooms tend to be Europeans, such Italians, Germans and Poles. The British are still a little unsure of fungi, though there is now a real appreciation of their beauty among the general public.
Many British people have collected fungi long before it was popular, though they usually collected field mushrooms, and a few other species such as Blue Legs (Lepista saeva). I don't know why we traditionally have less enthusiasm for wild fungi compared to Europeans.
Fungi and Nature Photography: