Mushroom foragers accused of threatening ancient trees

COMMERCIAL foragers who take fungi to supply upmarket restaurants and food markets are putting ancient trees at risk, the City of London has warned.

The warning came as nine people were fined more than £1,800 for illegal mushroom harvesting in Epping Forest, where bylaws forbid the removal of any flora or fauna. Forest conservationists said they had seen growing incidents in recent years of large-scale foraging in order to supply restaurants.

Specialist wild food markets can pay between £30 to £50 a kilogram for wild chanterelles and penny buns, and commercial foragers will often take large hauls indiscriminately, leaving widespread destruction. Among a recent haul was one batch weighing 49kg.

Fungi have a crucial role in protecting Epping Forest’s ancient beech trees, including some of the oldest in Europe at more than 1,000 years.

“The forest is an oasis for fungi, and home to some of the most exceptional beech trees in Europe. Any disruption in compaction of soils or disruption to their fungi associations is of great concern,” said Jeremy Dagley, head of conservation at Epping Forest.

Natural England and the National Trust share the forest’s concerns about the rise of commercial-scale foraging.

Tim Wilkins, Natural England’s senior lichens and fungi specialist, said: “Natural England is aware of reports that intensive fungi harvesting has increased in recent years and is concerned by the possible ecology risks this can pose.”

Mr Dagley warned that while foraging for personal consumption was “an admirable way to want to be in touch with nature”, there was no sustainable level of foraging in Epping Forest.