Respect the magic of fungi
Fungi are essential to a forest’s ecosystem as the rotters and recyclers.
They provide food for animals and are vital for many invertebrates to complete their lifecycles. Fungi are also marvellously photogenic and look best in their natural habitat, left for all to enjoy.
Protected species
Did you know that some fungi are so rare and vulnerable that they are included in the protected species list? For example, the New Forest is a stronghold for many rare species of fungi.
Some of our forests are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and are important sites for fungi in Britain. That means it’s illegal to pick them in these areas, even for scientific purposes.
Organised events
You can learn more about forest fungi by joining an approved educational fungi event. These event organisers have applied for permission to run an event on Forestry England land. Check out our approved local event listings near you for opportunities.
If you would like to organise a fungi educational walk, please contact your local team at least eight weeks in advance.
Fungi picking
Apart from where we ask people not to, those confident about their identification skills and deciding to forage must to do it sensitively and responsibly for personal consumption.
Commercial foraging or fungi picking is not permitted on Forestry England land. If you suspect or see commercial fungi picking you should pass evidence to the police by calling 101, and contact our local office.