Rare mushrooms to be protected
A SITE in Halesowen is one of two special new areas in England to be protected in recognition of the rich array of fungi they support.
The Leasowes in Halesowen and Down Farm, near Beaminster in Dorset, have been designated sites of special scientific (SSSIs) by Government conservation agency Natural England.
It will double the number of sites protected for their fungi. Natural England said the move will protect an additional 70 hectares (170 acres) of land supporting important and spectacular fungi, as well as grasslands and meadows.
The Leasowes is a 63-hectare public park next to a golf course and is described as one of the best sites in England for its displays of grassland fungi, including 28 species of waxcap mushrooms.
The threatened citrine waxcap was recorded at The Leasowes in 2017, and it is also home to pink, golden and parrot waxcaps.
Emma Johnson, Natural England’s area manager for West Mid- lands, said SSSIs were essential to look after the best examples of England’s natural heritage.
She said The Leasowes “is a great example of how urban sites can hold nationally significant habitats, providing a wonderful place for both people and nature”.
She added: “The designation is a timely recognition of all of the management and conservation work that has gone into the site by wardens, golf course managers, volunteers and community groups over many years.”
The Joint Nature Conservation Committee recently published new guidelines for the selection of SSSIs for fungi, which were used for the first time in the selection of these sites.