Fungi leaflet
Summary
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New Forest Fungi
Thank you for helping us to protect the New Forest’s fungi
Commercial collection of fungi growing wild on any land without the permission of the landowner has always been prohibited – it is an offence under the Theft Act 1968.
A Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Stop Notice may be issued if we suspect persistent offenders.
Your forests and woods are cared for by the Forestry Commission. We are the national guardians of forests and woods across England. They are fantastic places to explore, relax in and experience wildlife. We sustainably manage all our forests and woods for people, timber, habitats and for the future.
For more details go to:
FC England/TheWayDesign/September2016 © Crown copyright.
In partnership with:
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Chanterelles
Cover image: penny bun
Cauliflower fungus
Fungi Facts
- Fungi cannot make their own food using energy from sunlight, but grow by absorbing food and water from their surroundings – most importantly from living and dead plants, and animals.
- Many fungi live on the roots of trees and other plants. This is known as a mycorrhizal association (from the Greek word myco – fungus, rhiza root). The fungi help the plant take up more nutrients by increasing the effective surface area of the roots and in turn take sugars from the plant.
- Woodland fungi such as types of Amanita, Boletus, Lactarius and Russula will only grow with certain trees (a helpful guide when identifying the fungi). It may surprise you to know that trees grow less well without fungi.
Autumn
Autumn in the New Forest has a rainbow of colours making it a spectacular time of year to visit and find out more about fungi.
Look but don’t pick – leave fungi for the wildlife and for others to enjoy.
Fungi picking on any scale is not allowed in the New Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Commercial exploitation of fungi will not be tolerated and the Forestry Commission will continue to target commercial pickers. If you suspect or see commercial fungi picking please call 0300 067 4600.
Foray leaders must apply for permission for educational excursions from the Forestry Commission in advance. Clear guidelines will be issued with any permission.
The New Forest has a rich wildlife environment, recognised by its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
It is a wonderful place to see fungi, a stronghold for many rare and endangered species, and even some still being discovered that are new to science.
Fungi are essential to the New Forest’s ecosystem and ‘web of life’ – which is why we are asking you not to pick fungi from this special place.
Besides being essential rotters and recyclers, they provide food for some animals and vital to many invertebrates to enable them to complete their life cycles. Also, fungi are great to just admire and they are marvellously photogenic too.
Find out more about New Forest fungi by joining a permitted foray, or visiting newforestnpa.gov.uk
Help us to protect the New Forest’s fungi:
Beefsteak fungus
© Tim Wilkins
