PRESS RELEASE

21 October 2008

Fungi Fever

In the darkening months of autumn, it’s tempting to stay indoors, however, Cheshire Wildlife Trust is encouraging people to get out and try something a little more unusual this season; it is the perfect time go fungi foraging!

Fungi develop underground throughout the year but they only fully reveal themselves in autumn. They come in all shapes and sizes, with the most commonly recognised types being the toadstool and mushroom varieties.

These natural oddities can be found in many parts of the Cheshire countryside and foraging for mushrooms is a great excuse to get out and enjoy the fresh air exploring the landscapes of the local area.

Sue Tatman, project officer from Cheshire Wildlife Trust, gives some advice to wannabe spotters: “Lyme Park in Disley has a fantastic range of wild mushrooms. Those seeking a more unusual varieties of fungi may wish to visit the Northwich woodlands, where species such as the famous poisonous Fly Agaric, identifiable by it’s red and white spotted toadstool can be found.”

For those tempted to pick wild fungi for cooking, it’s important to go with someone who knows what they’re looking for or with an organised guided group as the consequences can be fatal. Instead, invest in a good fungi guidebook to get the most out of spotting the strange shapes on your day out.

Fungi facts:

• There are approx. 12,000 species of fungi in the UK alone, with at least 70,000 worldwide.
• There are more poisonous plants than fungi and more people become ill from edible fungi which have gone off, than from truly poisonous species.
• A certain type of fungal spore is accountable for the breed of mould that creates the blue veins and unique flavouring of Stilton cheese.
• Fungi are also used extensively to produce industrial chemicals like lactic acid, antibiotics and even to make stonewashed jeans.
• Yeast, which adds the alcohol to beer and wine, is a form of fungus.
  

For more information about the conservation work of Cheshire Wildlife Trust , contact the Trust by calling 01948 820728.

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