Fungi and You

Fungi in the British Isles have become increasingly vulnerable for a variety of reasons. One of the most obvious is loss of habitat. Many woodlands have disappeared from the landscape in the last 50 years. But fungi also have to contend with changing rural practices, the effects of 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 and other green plants on which we depend.

Our understanding of the range and distribution of fungi is still very poor, although it is improving considerably as more people gain an interest in mycology.    But we should be under no illusions - fungi are under threat.

In Britain an erroneous culture still persists that 'mushrooms are OK and toadstools are nasty'. The Fungus Conservation Trust was founded in 1996, as the former Association of British Fungus Groups, 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.

You can help with this aim in mind.   We need more eyes on the ground and more people to actively support the conservation work we do!  Some fungi are immensely destructive but generally speaking their positive contribution to the web of life outweighs any negative aspects.