Wet and mild autumns provide the perfect environment for fungi to flourish. With more moisture in the soil, mycelium is well-hydrated and able to invest water and resources to create elaborate new structures to generate and spread spores, creating optimal conditions for mushroom enthusiasts to witness a diverse array of species. The damp start to the season is of particular interest to scientists at RHS Garden Wisley who have launched a project that invites members of the public to go mushroom hunting in the charity’s flagship garden.
The aim of the project ‘Finding Fungi’ – which coincides with UK Fungus Day on 5th October - is to investigate the effects of garden redevelopment on mushroom-fruiting. Visitors to RHS Wisley are being asked to find and photograph mushrooms in two areas of the garden which have recently been redeveloped, namely the Orchard and the newly reworked Piet Oudolf Landscape. Both the Magpie inkcap and stubble rosegill fungi are of particular interest as these species are known to have been present in the garden for many years. Understanding if fungi such as these can reappear after garden projects may help determine how to reduce disruption to the fungal community when redesigning gardens.
It is hoped that the project, which runs until 2nd December, will help raise awareness of the importance of fungi, which play a crucial role in the garden ecosystem and are often overlooked or wrongly blamed for causing a plant’s decline. 90% of plants rely on a symbiotic relationship with fungi to support their growth, receiving moisture and nutrients from the soil in exchange for sugars. Additionally fungi help decompose organic matter, releasing essential nutrients into the soil and atmosphere, making them indispensable to a healthy garden.
Ruth Chitty, RHS Plant Pathologist, said: “Fungi have often been overlooked or feared by gardeners but they form a vital part of a healthy garden. Conservation of fungi is lacking with only 0.4% of described species having been assessed for the IUCN red list. We know that the Magpie inkcap and stubble rosegill have both been present at RHS Wisley for many years and are eager to determine if such species can return following garden projects. In sharing more about these fantastic and important species, and encouraging members of the public to get involved with our research, we hope to gain support in protecting and conserving them.”
Fungi activity at RHS sites this autumn –
- RHS Wisley, Surrey – 1-6th October
A week of events surrounding UK Fungus Day, including walks, talks, library tours and family-friendly activities.
For information visit:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/events
- RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate – 8th October
Fabulous Fungi: Library Talk and Garden Walk. Tickets:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr/viewevent?EFID=4782&ESRC=CMS
- RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford – 14th November
Lifecycle of Trees: Guided Walk – an in-depth walk and talk about trees, exploring their lifecycle, how they interact with fungi, and why this relationship is so important to the ecosystem. Tickets:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rhs-garden-bridgewater/viewevent?EFID=4516&ESRC=CMS
- RHS Lindley Library, London – 13th November
Lindley Late – Fungus and Folklore: The Magic of Mushrooms with Sandra Lawrence
Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lindley-late-fungus-and-folklore-the-magic-of-mushrooms-tickets-1024890835077
Searching for fungi is a great autumnal activity, especially on or just after a rainy day. Good places to look include around trees, on woodchips or in grassy areas.
To find out more about the Finding Fungi project, and to get involved, visit:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/research/finding-fungi
ENDS