Citizen Scientists Discover Hundreds of Rare Fungi Havens Across UK

In a major citizen science effort, the Plantlife charity has enlisted 850 volunteers to help map the locations of rare fungi across the UK. The results have been impressive, with the volunteers discovering 300 new sites for the vulnerable pink waxcap (Porpolomopsis calyptriformis) and 18 new locations of the vibrant violet coral (Clavaria zollingeri) fungi.

Prior to this survey, just over 1,000 pink waxcap and 183 violet coral sites were recorded in the British Mycological Society's database. The new findings have significantly expanded the data on where these internationally rare fungi can be found, including in unexpected places like private gardens, graveyards, and sheep farms.

According to Plantlife's senior fungi conservation officer Dr. Aileen Baird, the UK has a "relatively high number" of these fungi despite their global rarity, as they thrive in a type of nutrient-poor ancient grassland that is increasingly under threat from development, farming, and tree-planting. "They are internationally vulnerable which puts them in the same category as snow leopards and giant pandas in terms of their extinction risk. So we have a international responsibility in the UK to protect these fungi," Baird said.

The discovery of these new fungi locations highlights the importance of citizen science in mapping the health of the UK's grassland ecosystems. As Baird noted, "These fungi can also be a really good way of us finding out where these remnants of ancient grasslands are." With the help of dedicated volunteers, Plantlife is working to better understand and protect these unique and threatened habitats.