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These records from Hampstead Heath are a result of the London Fungus Group/Fungi to be with forays and personal visits by group leader Andy Overall. Some species included were recorded before 1997 and as result will have a comment box only. The number of species recorded currently stands at 466. Recording is ongoing. If you click on a species name in the Hampstead Heath database it will take you directly to the official British Basidiomycete Checklist which will give you brief but important information on the species status throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Fungi are ecologically crucial, not only do they play an ever important role in the breaking down of organic material for nutrients to be released back into the ecosystem, they are also vital for the health and longevity of our native trees and shrubs. This is achieved by way of a mutual symbiotic relationship between plant and fungus. The underground threads of 'hyphae' that produce mushrooms are collectively called the 'mycelium', the tips of the mycelium belonging to symbiotic fungi connect with the fine root ends of trees and shrubs and form a 'mycorrhiza' in this way they pass each other nutrients that they would otherwise find very difficult to acquire. If you are managing a green space, some of which maybe very old, that is visited by thousands of people each year, it is important to know how all of this works to produce such a lovely green space, full of vibrant trees and shrubs, and how to protect it for future generations. Many organizations and governing bodies of green spaces have for some while now, been compiling information on the insects, mammals, birds and plants that exist within the areas that they manage, resulting in bio-diverstiy action plans for that area. All too often fungi are not included in these plans, and many areas have not even had a base line fungi survey carried out, upon which they can build with future surveys. Fungi to be with have carried out base line fungi surveys at Richmond Park, Bushy Park and Kensington Gardens for the Royal Parks and Oxleas Wood for the Greenwich Council, resulting in a written report of the fungi present and the management practices needed to promote the continuing presence of these and other fungi in the future. If you are interested in having a fungi survey carried out in the area that you manage, contact 'fungi to be with' by using the contact service on this website or by calling 020 8458 0652 or 07958 786 374. |
