Epping Forest foragers told not to pick mushrooms

Foragers who explore and enjoy the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest have been warned against picking mushrooms. 

The City of London Corporation, which takes care of the area as a registered charity, said the fungi were a vital part of the forest’s ecosystem and its one million trees.

The charity explained that the mushrooms help protect the roots of the trees, as well as provide water and minerals to the plants.

In line with this, those who are caught foraging will continue facing prosecution and a criminal record. 

The ubiquitous clusters of the poisonous sulphur tuft fungi sprout out of many an old tree stump & other deadwood throughout the Forest. This fungi is easily recognised by its sulphur-yellow cap & stem. Please be aware that fungi collection is not permitted in #EppingForest pic.twitter.com/tc6obs3VMA

— Epping Forest (@CoLEppingForest) October 27, 2023

Epping Forest, a Site of Special Interest and a Special Area of Conservation across east London and Essex, is home to 440 rare and endangered fungi species. 

So, picking these mushrooms, risks and damages the invaluable forest biodiversity that has developed over the past 10,000 years.

Plus, the funghi serves as a precious source of nourishment for animals in the forest, including deer and rare insect species.

Since 2022, nine people have been prosecuted and given a criminal record. One of these individuals was caught with 49 kilos of mushrooms. 

1/2: We have some incredible & very rare fungi species in Epping Forest; this is one reason why the ancient woodland is protected as a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) & a SAC (Special Area of Conservation).

Fungi are important to support the woodland biodiversity. pic.twitter.com/WMAIdYVOjj

— Epping Forest (@CoLEppingForest) October 23, 2023

Talking about this important issue, the chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, Ben Murphy, said: “I hope by explaining why Epping Forest's fungi is so unique, we can change behaviours and discourage foragers from this location."

The City of London Corporation maintains around 10,000 acres of public green spaces in Greater London and the surrounding counties. 

Aside from Epping Forest, it is best known for taking care of Hampstead Heath, Ashtead Common, Highgate Wood, the City Commons and Burnham Beeches. 

The corporation also oversees the unheated Parliament Hill Lido in Hampstead Heath and owns and manages Queens Park, West Ham Park and tens of other smaller green spaces.