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The New Forest is a stronghold for many rare species of fungi

Autumn is the time of year when the most weird and wonderful mushrooms and toadstools can be seen – indeed the New Forest is a stronghold for many rare species of fungi. They are often thought of as being plants, but some experts say they are closer to being animals. In fact, fungi are in a kingdom all of their own. There are at least 70,000 species worldwide, approximately 12,000 in the UK and 2,700 here in the New Forest.

The New Forest is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is one of the most important sites for fungi in Britain, some are so rare and vulnerable that they are included in the protected species list and it’s illegal to pick them, even for scientific purposes (Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981).

Close up of fungi on the forest floor.
Photo credit: Nick Whittle

Fungi play an important role within our ecosystem

Fungi are essential to the New Forest’s ecosystem and ‘web of life’ – which is why we ask people to leave fungi in the ground for all to enjoy and to help protect and care for 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!

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 ‘myco’, meaning fungus, and ‘rhiza’, meaning 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 many trees grow less well without fungi.

Some fungi are poisonous or rare.

Close up of fungi amongst moss on a fallen tree.
Photo credit: Nick Whittle
Close up of fungi on a fallen tree.
Photo credit: Nick Whittle

Fungi education

We permit a small number of fungi educational walks, where people can find out more about the incredible fungi that thrive here. We work with local organisations and experts who can identify the characteristics of the huge varieties of fungi found in the New Forest for people interested and involved in the conservation of our rarest fungi.

Please look, but don’t pick fungi

Enjoy the signs of autumn in the Forest – look, but don’t pick the fungi.

Commercial fungi picking is illegal, if you see anything suspicious please call us on 0300 067 4601 or 0300 067 4600 (24 hours). We will report this to the police for further investigation.

Keep reading...

Fungi on forest floor

Fungi are essential to a forest’s ecosystem. This is why we ask you to leave fungi where they are for all to enjoy.

Fungi are essential rotters and recyclers. They provide food for some animals and are vital for many invertebrates to complete their life cycles. Fungi are also marvellously photogenic and look best in their natural habitat.

Aerial view of river and landscape of Fletchers Water
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20 December 2021
The New Forest is one of Europe’s most important locations for nature and conservation. Learn more about this special place.
walkers enjoying a walk around a woodland lake in autumn
Walking trails and routes

Walking trails are suitable for all ages and abilities and some are pushchair and buggy friendly. You don’t even need a map. Follow the wooden posts with the coloured marker bands and take in the stunning views along the way.

Views over the heather and open forest in the New Forest

The New Forest is a spectacular landscape made up of a unique mix of woodlands and open habitats that are globally important for nature conservation