Guest blog: Plantlife and forgotten fungi

KCCF strategic partner, Plantlife, is passionate about a world rich in plants and fungi. Read on to learn more about how you can help by taking part in Waxcap Watch this October.

What are fungi and why are they important? 

Fungi are organisms which underpin the health of our environment and are key to resolving the climate, ecological and societal challenges we face. They are integral to human medicine, food production, industrial processes, biodiversity and climate change mitigation. They are the silent and hidden backbone of our ecosystems, and yet they are often overlooked and undervalued.

Earthball Slerodermasp (c) Nathalie Esselin

Here are 10 wild, wacky and wonderful facts about the world of fungi 

Why do fungi need our help? 

Ancient grasslands and woodlands continue to disappear under new houses, intensive farming, tree planting and transport infrastructure, causing many fungi to become rarer. Fungi are also seriously impacted by climate change and nitrogen pollution. 

There is a severe lack of knowledge and understanding of fungi compared with plants and animals. Kew estimates a staggering 90% of fungal species across the world are currently unknown to science. With an estimated 2.5 million species of fungi worldwide, more work is needed to better understand fungi and identify which species are most at risk and require urgent conservation action by organisations such as Plantlife. 

Why should we care about fungi? 

For something so often overlooked, fungi play a key role in plant growth and soil health by breaking down organic material and recycling its nutrients. This process also helps these ‘climate warriors’ lock atmospheric carbon in the soil helping to tackle climate change. 

Despite the critical role they play, fungi have historically not been a priority for conservation organisations and other sectors. They are often called ‘The Forgotten Kingdom’ and have a much smaller voice than plants or animals. This needs to change. 

Hairy Curtain Crust Sterum hirsutum (c) Nathalie Esselin

How can we help fungi? 

This autumn, you could help KCCF strategic partner Plantlife find Britain’s most colourful and important fungi – waxcaps – by taking part in a citizen science project. 

Waxcaps are an indicator of rare, species-rich grassland. Knowing where waxcaps and other grassland fungi are thriving helps Plantlife to pinpoint where fragments of ancient meadows survive. Britain is home to some of the most important waxcap grasslands in the world. However many species are becoming rare and declining; they need identifying and protecting. 

Take part in Waxcap Watch, you don’t need any fungi ID skills or to be a mycologist. It’s easy for anyone in England, Scotland and Wales to take part in the Waxcap Watch – all you need is a smart phone or access to a computer! You can read more about Waxcap Watch here and watch a video on how to get involved: Take part in Waxcap Watch 2024 – Plantlife 

If you would like to learn more about fungi, Plantlife has more resources are available here: 

Guide to Fungi Identification 

Grassland fungi identification and management course