Protection for grassland rich in fungi

MORE THAN 170 acres of land rich in fungi have been protected with the designation of two new sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs).

Government conservation agency Natural England has designated the two SSSIs, in Dorset and the West Midlands, specifically for the rich array of fungi they support, doubling the number of sites protected for their fungi.

It will provide protection for an additional 170 acres of land supporting important fungi, as well as grasslands and meadows, Natural England said.

Dorset’s Down Farm, near Beaminster, is rich in grassland fungi such as waxcaps, clubs, corals and spindles, which benefit from the landowner’s management of the traditional grasslands.

Andrew Smith, of Natural England, said Down Farm was a rare and special place for nature.

The Leasowes park in Halesowen, near Birmingham, is next to a golf course and is described as one of the best sites in England for grassland fungi.

The threatened citrine waxcap was recorded at The Leasowes in 2017, and it is also home to pink, golden and parrot waxcaps.

Emma Johnson, of Natural England, said The Leasowes “is a great example of how urban sites can hold nationally significant habitats”.