Grasslands protected for their rich array of 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 70 hectares (170 acres) of land supporting important and spectacular fungi, as well as grasslands and meadows, Natural England said.

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

Andrew Smith, Natural England’s area manager for Dorset, said Down Farm was a rare and special place for nature.

“In autumn, the grasslands are equally colourful and spectacular with waxcaps, corals, spindles and club fungi.

“Notifying the meadow helps safeguard these important natural features that the land owner has nurtured and cared for so well through traditional hay meadow management.”

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 Midlands, said SSSIs were essential to look after the best examples of England’s natural heritage.

And she said: “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.

There are now four sites in England protected specifically for their fungi.