Fungi Under Threat
Fungi in the British Isles are fast disappearing because of loss of habitat, changing rural practices, intensive land management and over-picking. Yet scientists are now beginning to understand that many of the fungus species in our forests and woodlands play an essential role in the welfare of trees; others are immensely destructive.

Amanita muscaria
The Fly Agaric. One of the most easily recognised of fungi. Yet what exactly is its role in the web of life in a woodland? Today it is a common species on heaths and in woodlands but how safe is its position in the future? We still have much to learn about the needs of fungi and their distribution.
Our understanding of the range and distribution of fungi is still very poor and in Britain an erroneous culture persists that 'mushrooms are edible and toadstools are nasty'. The Association of British Fungus Groups was founded in 1996 to bring these fascinating plants before a wider audience and to encourage greater understanding of our mycological flora so that fungi can be conserved for the future.

Your subscription support is essential for our work. The Association serves to monitor and record occurrence of fungi through voluntary work of its local groups but its role has extended. This year we have published an essential reference CD of rare and threatened UK fungi, the Provisional BAP list. We are also engaged in taking educational exhibitions around the country. All of this costs money. By joining the ABFG you will discover some fascinating new horizons among friendly like-minded people and, most vitally, you will also be helping to give these extraordinary forms of life a healthier future.