A Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi: 2008-2015

FUNGUS CONSERVATION FORUM Published by Plantlife International Fungus Conservation Forum Acknowledgements: on behalf of the Fungus Conservation member organisations: Martyn Ainsworth, Martin Allison, Peter Forum. Association of British Fungus Groups Brash, Jill Butler, Oliver Cheeseman, British Mycological Society Chris Cheffings, Jenny Duckworth, Mike The Fungus Conservation Forum is a CABI Edgington, Shelley Evans, Hubert Fuller, network of organisations working for Countryside Council for Wales David Genney, Ted Green, Alan Hale, Liz the conservation of fungi across the Department of Environment Northern Holden, Oliver Howells, Rebecca Isted, UK. It has 17 member organisations Ireland Michael Jordan, Sarah Jupp, Paul Kirk, representing the field mycological Forestry Commission Kim Lehoucka, Deborah Long, Jayne community, non-government Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Manley, Jim Munford, Peter Roberts, organisations, scientific societies and JNCC David Rumble, Mark Spencer, Brian statutory organisations. MOD Spooner, Jill Stevens, Pete Stevens, The National Trust Malcolm Storey, Jill Sutcliffe, Fiona Tite, Natural England Roy Watling, Ray Woods, Mark Wright. Plantlife (Chair) Royal Botanic Gardens Kew RSPB Scottish Natural Heritage University College Dublin Woodland Trust

2 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi I couldsee’ the sophisticatedengineerofallthat something Iknewnothingaboutwas ‘It wasmind-blowingtomethat References 26 24 country targets Summary tablelinkingUKand 22 the conservationoffungaldiversity Objective 5:Buildingcapacity for 20 and awareness aboutfungaldiversity Objective 4:Promoting education 18 sustainably Objective 3:Usingfungaldiversity 16 diversity Objective 2:Conservingfungal 14 documenting fungaldiversity 12 Objective 1:Understandingand 7 UK’s fungi 4 A partnershiptoconservethe Introduction 10 8 Summary ofObjectivesandTargets Executive Summary Foreword TimSmit Contents Monilia fructigena , causeoftheverycommonbrown rot ofapples Tim Smit Strategy for theConservation oftheUK’s Fungi| 3

KEITH HARVEY Foreword

Neil Young produced an album entitled ‘Rust never Sleeps’. While the memory of the music lingers only faintly now, the phrase has a haunting quality which stays with me and I am reminded of it by the invitation to write the foreword to ‘Saving the Forgotten Kingdom’. The domain of which it speaks is that of fungi, a curious word, with echoes of death, or at least something of the night. How wrong one can be!

I first became aware of the world of fungi when the Humid Tropics Team at Eden talked endlessly about mycorrhizal as- sociation and the dependence that most plants of the rainforest have on fungi. On closer enquiry I was introduced to a revelation; that this tropical abundance was made possible through the interface between fungi and the roots of trees and plants. They were the engine room of a di- gestive tract that transformed the inedible but nutritious into a medium that could be absorbed. The fungi were the stomach for the roots of the trees and plants. It was mind-blowing to me that something I knew nothing about was the sophisti- cated engineer of all that I could see. I described this to friends at dinner tables with my clumsy unscientific language and they marvelled. Fungi are truly extraordi- nary and more people should know about them as they are vital to our existence and that of the planet as we know it.

There are estimated to be more than 1.5 million species of fungi in the world and 12,000 have been identified in the UK alone (as against c. 2,000 flowering ‘One of the great privileges in being plants). In one small 380 ha of Esher and Oxshott Common in Surrey more than invited to write this foreword is to 3,300 species have been recorded. As research unfolds we are shining a light be able to applaud the mycological on an increasingly complex series of community in their farsighted relationships between plants and fungi. approach and their commitment.’

4 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi LAURIE CAMPBELL

Meadows are linked by these interconnected plumbing systems and it appears that they play an integral part in balancing the nutrient availability across species, protecting biodiversity. Kill the fungi by throwing artificial fertiliser over the fields and the diversity is decimated. As these relationships are coming to be better understood we stand at the dawning of a new age. Imagine the end of our reliance on petrochemicals and a new agrarian revolution based on working with the grain of nature and you get a glimmer of a world in which fungi are not the Widow Twankies, but the Prince Charmings of a new order. This is hugely exciting stuff. While this strategy for the conservation of the fungi in the UK underpins the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) it directly contributes to the Global target to ‘halt loss of biodiversity’. But it is more fundamental than that. Fungi may well be the best weapon for conservation that we have. Based on the 5 objectives identified by GSPC, this strategy for the conservation of the UK’s fungi identifies 18 targets that need to be progressed by 2015 - and they will be. With a good agent and PR team fungi could be granted the A-list status they truly deserve. One of the great privileges in being invited to write this foreword is to be able to applaud the mycological community in their farsighted approach to the subject and their commitment to collaborate in the name of making a real and long-term difference. In our jargon heavy world, ‘joined-up thinking’ is a horrible buzzword, but for once, in the world of fungi, it seems strangely, yet beautifully appropriate.

Tim Smit CBE Chief Executive of the Eden Project 2008

Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 5 Velvet Shank or Winter Mushroom Flammulina velutipes

6 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi Executive summary TIM WILKINS / PLANTLIFE TIM WILKINS / PLANTLIFE

The importance of fungi to the health and The importance of fungi to the welfare of the planet is no longer in any doubt and the days of suspicion when health and welfare of the planet is most fungi were considered poisonous are over. Fungi are now being embraced no longer in any doubt. and conserved for their beauty, their contribution to nutrient cycling and soil fertility, as a source of medicines and other valuable chemicals, as a food source and as a substantial part of the Earth’s biodiversity. The need is greater than ever for a better appreciation and understanding of these intriguing organisms and an ambitious yet achievable strategy to provide a sound framework to take forward the conservation of fungi in the UK. Given the limited resources available, the Fungus Conservation Forum participating organisations have joined together to co-ordinate their work of raising awareness of fungi – perhaps the one kingdom of the living world that is least widely understood. We know a great deal about these organisms, yet we also know that there is potentially still much to discover especially with regard to their conservation. Understanding and conserving this large and complex kingdom is an enormous task. There are three key outcomes that will determine the success of this strategy: ■ Better understanding of fungal diversity and fungal ecology so we can communicate sustainable management practice effectively; ■ Improved awareness across society of the importance of fungi and better articulation of the needs of fungus conservation to policy makers and funders; ■ Knowledge acted upon and passed on to future generations through building the capacity of people and communities across the UK.

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 7 Summary of objectives and targets

Objective 1: Understanding and documenting fungal diversity

Target 1 Fungus distribution data to be accessible and regularly updated

Target 2 Status of UK fungi to be assessed

Target 3 Checklists of remaining fungal groups to be produced

Target 4 Targeted research into fungal diversity and taxonomy to be undertaken

Objective 2: Conserving fungal diversity

Appropriately targeted ecological research to be undertaken to identify the ecological requirements of Target 5 fungi and the land management practices that provide these conditions

Target 6 Important areas for fungal diversity to be conserved and managed appropriately

Target 7 Conservation actions to be initiated for priority species and groups

Threats posed by naturalised non-native fungus species to be assessed and action taken to Target 8 communicate and manage risk

Target 9 Species status monitoring methods to be developed

Objective 3: Using fungal diversity sustainably

Research to be undertaken into the conservation and socio-economic impacts of collection, Target 10 particularly at the commercial scale

Target 11 Encourage sustainable harvesting

Encourage good practice and the sustainable collection of specimens to further scientific Target 12 understanding

Objective 4: Promoting education and awareness about fungal diversity

Greater awareness of fungus conservation and the contribution of fungi to our well-being and social, Target 13 environmental and economic viability

Develop education and awareness raising initiatives by the various fungus groups, statutory Target 14 organisations, charities and voluntary societies

Mycology to be embedded in the national implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation Target 15 by 2010 and beyond

Objective 5: Building capacity for the conservation of fungal diversity

Target 16 Provision and development of national centres of excellence to support fungus conservation

Target 17 Further improve communication between conservation and field recording communities

Professional training and development of mycological expertise to be developed to ensure that there is Target 18 sufficient capacity for the future

8 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi DOMINIC PRICE / PLANTLIFE DOMINIC PRICE / PLANTLIFE

Understanding and conserving this large and complex kingdom is an enormous task.

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 9 Introduction BOB GIBBONS / NATURAL IMAGE IMAGE BOB GIBBONS / NATURAL

10 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi With over 12,000 species known to occur in the UK, it is not surprising that we do not know our mycota as well as we know our flowering plants.

The Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria amethystina

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 11 A partnership to conserve the UK’s fungi

The Woolhope Naturalists Field Club, strategy is being taken forward in the UK from which the British Mycological as ‘Plant Diversity Challenge’, which was Society (BMS) developed, started launched by the UK Government in 2004, recording fungi at its forays as long and provides further detail on how the ago as 1877. More recent progress targets will be addressed in the UK for with recording has taken place with both plants and fungi. the creation and spread of local fungus The second European Strategy for Plant recording groups organised and assisted Conservation (2008-2014) has been by the BMS and the Association of developed by the Planta Europa Network British Fungus Groups (ABFG). and the Council of Europe as a regional In the late1990s the first Biodiversity component of the GSPC. The targets Action Plans were published for fungi relating to fungus conservation within and the Fungus Conservation Forum was this strategy are being co-ordinated formed. It was set up to co-ordinate and by the European Committee for the drive forward fungus conservation activity Conservation of Fungi, the conservation in the UK and to facilitate communication. body of the European Mycological For the first time, mycological societies Association. and conservation charities have Strategy for the Conservation collaborated with statutory bodies. The of Lower Plants and Fungi in Fungus Conservation Forum has played Scotland and Strategy and Action a significant role in galvanising action and Plan for the Conservation of Lower co-ordinating initiatives. Plants and Fungi in Wales Although the state of field mycology The Scottish strategy (SCLPFS) was today is very encouraging, it operates produced in 2005 by Plant Link Scotland, almost entirely on a voluntary basis the forum for plant conservation and there remain huge gaps in our organisations in Scotland, and outlines knowledge. Fungus conservation 10 targets with 37 actions that will lead to could indeed be considered to be in its significant progress in the conservation infancy. Specific programmes focusing of fungi, lichens, bryophytes and algae on the conservation of fungi are few in Scotland. A similar strategy for Wales and far between and, at present, only (SCLPFW) is currently being produced. a handful of sites are notified as Sites A Strategy for the Conservation of of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) for Fungi in the UK their mycological importance. The need The above strategies provide a sound now is greater than ever for an ambitious and necessary framework for taking yet achievable strategy to provide a forward plant and fungus conservation sound framework to take forward the and operate at different geographic conservation of fungi in the UK. scales and levels of detail. However, there is a need for a strategy that focuses Existing Strategies: on fungi in the UK that will complement Global Strategy for Plant the wider-ranging Global Strategy for Conservation Plant Conservation targets. The Global Strategy for Plant The UK strategy will run for seven years Conservation (GSPC) was adopted as from 2008-2015, so exceeding the 2010 part of the Convention on Biological deadlines of the GSPC. Progress will be Diversity in 2001. It identifies sixteen reviewed regularly, with the intention of targets to be met by 2010 that are carrying out a fuller mid-term review. grouped under five objectives covering: understanding and documenting plant This strategy is necessarily ambitious in diversity, conserving plant diversity, using its scope and is structured following the plant diversity sustainably, promoting five objectives of the GSPC. A vision is education and awareness about plant presented for each objective, followed diversity and building capacity for the by a series of headline targets and a brief conservation of plant diversity. This outline of the action needed.

12 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi JOE SUTTON / PLANTLIFE JOE SUTTON / PLANTLIFE

Fungus Conservation Forum participating organisations have joined together to co-ordinate their work of raising awareness of fungi.

Southern Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa. A unique partnership - orchids need fungi to survive

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 13 Objective 1 LAURIE CAMPBELL LAURIE CAMPBELL

Understanding and documenting fungal diversity

The fungi are a diverse group of notes, is now available online and organisms, with over 12,000 species replaces the provisional Red List (Ing, thought to occur in the UK alone. 1992). Understanding and documenting their A Red List assessment for all UK fungi diversity underpins all aspects of fungus should be undertaken, possibly as two conservation. A knowledge of which separate projects within Great Britain and species are present in the UK and their Northern Ireland. All Red Lists should status is necessary so that priorities can be made available online and updated be established. Central to this is the regularly (eventually aiming for a 5 year effective sourcing, quality control and cycle). management of fungal data. 3 Checklists of remaining fungal Terrestrial Biodiversity of the UK groups to be produced The ascomycetes are a large and complex group for which a modern checklist is needed. The first stage of this work should focus on a subset of the Ascomycota, representing species of conservation concern. Checklists are also needed for the ‘smaller’ groups such as the zygomycetes. All checklists should be made available online and lower plants 1,000 amphibians & reptiles 13 updated regularly. higher plants 1,760 fish 84 fungi 12,000 birds 258 4 Targeted research into fungal invertebrates 13,500 mammals 62 diversity and taxonomy to be undertaken Our vision: A full knowledge of the Fungal diversity research is vital to presence and status of fungi in the UK underpin our conservation assessments that is supported by accessible and up- and our publicity and education activities to-date quality data. and it is important that research needs are assessed and prioritised. Targets Research areas that may be considered 1 Fungus distribution data to be a priority include: accessible and regularly updated ■ combined molecular and morphological Making all fungal records available resolution of priority taxonomic issues to through the National Biodiversity refine our measures of diversity; Network will go some way to improving ■ the accessibility of fungal data. Species the design of species specific primers of conservation concern should be for the detection of rare and threatened prioritised for editing/cleaning. Protocols species; should be established regarding data ■ improved understanding of the hidden capture, entry, quality assurance and fungal diversity, distribution and links associated deposition of voucher between it and other taxa diversity. specimens. 2 Status of UK fungi to be assessed A preliminary assessment of threatened British fungi has been prepared by the BMS. This assessment, with explanatory

14 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi Understanding and documenting their diversity underpins all aspects of fungus conservation.

Common Tar Spot Rhytisma acerinum

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 15 Objective 2

Conserving fungal diversity

The conservation of fungi takes ■ assessing the impact of different land place at a variety of scales, from management practices on total fungal individual species and sites to habitats diversity and and landscapes. There are several ■ identifying specific niches and mechanisms throughout the UK that particular nutritional requirements for rare should support the conservation of fungi, and threatened species. The results of including the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), the designation of protected any research need to be communicated areas (SSSIs and Special Areas of so that we can readily respond to any Conservation or SACs), agri-environment new findings. and forestry schemes and the recognition 6 Important areas for fungal of Important Fungus Areas (IFAs) to diversity to be conserved and raise awareness and ensure protection managed appropriately of these areas. Ecological research is an essential prelude to the conservation The provisional list of ‘Important Fun- of fungi. It is necessary to understand gus Areas’ should be revised, following their requirements in order to ensure that refinement of the site selection criteria, sites through to habitats and landscapes to include an assessment of those sites are appropriately managed. Certain identified as ‘data deficient’ on the provi- UK habitats are already known to be sional list and a full list of sites described important for fungi, including beech and and published within the next 5 years. Caledonian pine woodlands, unimproved Through liaison with land owners grasslands and sand dunes. and site managers, sites should be Our vision: Important fungi sites, habi- secured and managed appropriately. tats and landscapes are recognised and Land management policies should be managed in a sympathetic manner, reviewed to enable the conservation of maintaining a balance between the broad IFAs. Current mechanisms should be requirements of fungal communities and refined and the designation, extension those of other taxa and the sometimes or revision of the citation of SSSIs for unique needs of individual species. fungi and provision of attractive ‘fungus friendly’ management prescriptions Targets across all agri-environment schemes should be adopted. 5 Appropriately targeted ecological research to be 7 Conservation actions to be undertaken to identify the initiated for priority species and ecological requirements of fungi groups and the land management practices that provide these conditions In addition to conserving important areas for fungal diversity, there is a need to as- Research is necessary in order to sess the conservation requirements of improve the understanding of fungal individual rare and threatened fungus ecology and the requirements of species. For some, conservation can individual species, and to aid the be taken forward through appropriate assessment of sites. Priority research management of Important Fungus Areas, areas include: however other species will require more ■ developing new approaches to whole focused actions and research. The con- community fungus surveys based servation mechanisms included within the on combined field and molecular UKBAP process will be key to achieving techniques; this target.

16 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi KEITH HARVEY

Fungus specialists will need to be en- gaged with the on-the-ground delivery of the BAP targets in order to ensure that important fungi are conserved.

8 Threats posed by naturalised non-native fungus species to be assessed and action taken to communicate and manage risk Non-native fungi potentially pose a threat to the UK’s biodiversity, but little is currently known of the threats posed by them to threatened native fungi and to plant and fungal diversity generally. Certain non-native plants such as Sweet Chestnut may act as hosts for threatened fungi and so care should be taken to balance threats to fungi against the benefits to other species or habitats. This should be undertaken through liaison with land managers and raising awareness of the importance of certain non-native species for fungi.

9 Species status monitoring methods to be developed Monitoring is necessary to assess the changing status of populations and impacts of any management on both threatened species and the fungal diversity of an important site. It is difficult to monitor populations of fungi since the absence of fruiting bodies does not necessarily mean the species is not present. Approaches to monitoring will vary depending on the questions to be asked and may include both indirect habitat monitoring and direct species monitoring. Detailed species Important fungi sites, habitats and surveys may require molecular probes to detect the presence of a non-fruiting landscapes should be recognised species below ground or within trees and and managed in a sympathetic other plants. Establishing the ways and means of manner. assessing and determining conservation status for priority habitats and species is critical to this target. Representative Important Fungus Areas should be selected for pilot testing of monitoring methods (and of additional database development requirements) to monitor Beech woodland provides important habitat for a wide range national changes. of fungi. Stourhead gardens in Wiltshire

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 17 Objective 3

Using fungal diversity sustainably

11 The collection of fungi for whatever Encourage sustainable purpose, whether for scientific study harvesting or culinary use, should be undertaken If investigation reveals any negative sustainably. In practice we know so impacts of harvesting these should be little about the extent and biology of minimised through improving awareness most fungus species that providing and providing evidence to support definitive advice backed by sound enforcement action. The promotion and, research is currently not possible. Little if necessary, updating of existing codes is understood of the impact of collecting of practice such as the ‘Wild Mushroom fruiting bodies of fungi on other Pickers’ Code of Conduct’ may also be dependent organisms, such as beetle appropriate. and fly larvae. 12 Encourage good practice A risk assessment should be developed and the sustainable collection of and applied to collection activities and specimens to further scientific advice formulated to reduce the threats understanding posed. A code of conduct should be drafted Information should be provided to to offer clear advice on minimising Government so that the current legal any damage that might be caused by framework can be assessed, reviewed collecting for scientific purposes. and enforced through voluntary principles or legislation.

Our vision: The sustainable collection of fungi is ensured through communication and effective legislation, supported by research.

Targets 10 Research to be undertaken into the conservation and socio- economic impacts of collection, particularly at the commercial scale This should be supported by a review of existing literature from the UK and abroad so that current knowledge can be collated and gaps in knowledge identified.

18 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi LAURIE CAMPBELL LAURIE CAMPBELL

Little is understood of the impact of collecting fruiting bodies of fungi on other dependent organisms, such as beetle and fly larvae.

Penny Bun Boletus edulis

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 19 Objective 4

Promoting education and awareness about fungal diversity

14 Whilst this is one of the largest groups Develop education and of organisms which helps maintain a awareness raising initiatives by the healthy environment for everyone, it does various fungus groups, statutory so generally unseen and unappreciated. organisations, charities and For fungus conservation to become voluntary societies embedded in local, regional and national Audiences to target include sustainable development plans, society needs to be well informed and able to a. statutory organisations, NGOs, make wise choices. relevant charities and voluntary societies and Raising awareness of fungi and their b. the media to raise awareness amongst importance is fundamental to their the general public. conservation. The public understands little of their vital role in the health Co-ordinate and promote fungus and functioning of ecosystems or of initiatives and events such as the Hereford their wider economic value. There is Festival of Fungi which generate interest a considerable amount of work to do and enthusiasm for fungi. Ensure a wide within the timescale of this strategy. The geographical spread of such events. aim should be to initially target specific Support and promote the work of audiences such as conservationists, established groups such as ABFG and policy makers and land managers. BMS who have experience and expertise Our vision: A good awareness and in promoting fungus conservation. appreciation of fungi amongst land 15 Mycology to be embedded owners and managers, policy makers, in the national implementation conservationists and the general public. of the Global Strategy for Plant Targets Conservation by 2010 and beyond 13 Greater awareness of fungus The development of this strategy for conservation and the contribution UK fungi is an important step forward in of fungi to our well-being and recognising the importance of mycology social, environmental and and giving it the profile necessary to economic viability further mycological conservation. It is of paramount importance that this Focusing on key target audiences, strategy does not stand in isolation but our aim is to provide quality advice on is embedded in the conservation delivery fungus conservation through liaison with mechanisms (for instance Biodiversity conservationists, policy makers, land Action Plans, country biodiversity owners and managers. strategies) as well as sector plans New discoveries, research and initiatives (regional development plans, Water should be disseminated to the general Framework Directive, agri-environment public via press, radio, television etc schemes) in all countries and regions and links between academic institutions, across the UK. Taking up these targets fungus and other conservation charities contributes to the global 2010 objective and statutory bodies forged. to ‘halt the loss of biodiversity’. PETER WILSON/NATURAL IMAGE PETER WILSON/NATURAL 20 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi The public understands little of their vital role in the health and functioning of ecosystems or of their wider economic value.

Collared Earthstar Geastrum triplex

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 21 Objective 5 TIM WILKINS / PLANTLIFE TIM WILKINS / PLANTLIFE

Building capacity for the conservation of fungal diversity

While the conservation of fungi has 17 Further improve made considerable progress in recent communication between years there are very few staff with fungi conservation and field recording expertise in government organisations. communities In addition there has been a significant Improving the links between fungus increase in requirements for reporting on conservation and the field recording Biodiversity Action Plans and Targets. communities is vital to take forward the With no funding available and very little conservation of fungi. The provision notice, charities and voluntary field of regular updates and feedback practitioners have been asked to co- and ensuring that the channels of ordinate threatened species reviews and communication are open is an important provide considerable time and expertise. step towards achieving this. In addition, If the UK is to rely on its volunteer and more support should be given to the charitable sector, resources will have to recording community whilst ensuring that be found to build capacity. their contribution is recognised. Our vision: Centres of excellence 18 established, and continuity of expertise Professional training and in place to enable mycological skills development of mycological and knowledge to be maintained and expertise to be developed to developed throughout the UK. ensure that there is sufficient capacity for the future Targets In order for the vision in this strategy to 16 Provision and development of be realised there needs to be sufficient national centres of excellence to expertise to drive and take forward fungus support fungus conservation conservation work and respond rapidly ‘Centres of excellence’ refer to to issues as they arise. This includes physical locations with facilities and / or both the appointment of professional networks of mycologists (from different mycologists in key organisations and the organisations) working together. development of expertise. There should be provision of apprenticeships, so that There is a need for Government and its there is a trained ‘future generation’ agencies to have staff (or access to staff) of mycologists who can respond to with core skills and the next step will be conservation needs and issues. to agree how this can be provided. Work plans should include ‘core project time’ that can be called upon to support the implementation of global biodiversity conservation that aims to halt the loss of biodiversity.

22 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi There is a need for Government and its agencies to have staff with core skills and the next step will be to agree how this can be provided.

Velvet Shank or Winter Mushroom Flammulina velutipes

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 23 Summary table linking UK and country targets

UK FUNGUS CONSERVATION GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PLANT STRATEGY FOR THE CONSERVATION STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR THE STRATEGY HEADLINE TARGET CONSERVATION (GSPC) OF LOWER PLANTS AND FUNGI IN CONSERVATION OF LOWER PLANTS SCOTLAND (SCLPFG) AND FUNGI IN WALES (SCLPFW)

Objective 1

Target 1. Fungus distribution data to be 2: Maintain distributional databases for 1: Distribution maps of all lower plants accessible and regularly updated Scottish lichens, bryophytes, fungi and and fungi in Wales should be accessible algae, as part of the UK Threatened and up to date and mapped at at least the Species databases, and subject to regular 10km square level and ongoing update from 2005 2: Detailed information to be readily available to permit the localization of sites for all Welsh lower plants and fungi of conservation concern

Target 2. Status of UK fungi to be 2: A preliminary assessment of the 1: Extract Red Lists from the GB Red 3 & 4: Wales to contribute resources assessed conservation status of all known plant Data books, where possible, for Scottish and expertise to ensure the creation and species at national, regional and lichens, bryophytes, fungi and algae, regular review of Red Data Books/threat international levels grouped as appropriate by 2006 lists/species of conservation concern lists that recognise the importance of Welsh lower plant and fungi species at international, national (UK) and country (Welsh) level

Target 3. Checklists of remaining fungal 1: A widely accessible working list of groups to be produced known plant species, as a step towards a complete world flora

Target 4. Targeted research into fungal 12: The establishment of a permanent diversity and taxonomy to be undertaken mycologist post in the National Museum of Wales

Objective 2

Target 5. Appropriately targeted ecological 3: Development of models with protocols 5: Offer advice at each BAP review on the research to be undertaken to identify the for plant conservation and sustainable priorities for research and survey ecological requirements of fungi and land use, based on research and practical management practices that provide these experience conditions

Target 6. Important areas for fungal 5: Protection of 50% of the most 5: Promote the survey of habitats of high 7: Promote the survey and description diversity to be conserved and managed important areas for plant diversity assured nature conservation interest for their lower of habitats of high nature conservation appropriately plants and fungi from 2005 interest for their lower plants & fungi 6: At least 30% of production lands managed consistent with the conservation 6: Promote management of key habitats 8: Promote the sympathetic management of plant diversity sympathetic to the needs of lower plants of key habitats for lower plants and fungi and fungi by issuing guidance and advice by issuing guidance and advice from 2005

Target 7. Conservation actions to be 7: 60% of the world’s threatened species 4: Contribute to the identification of 5: Contribute to the identification and initiated for ‘priority’ species and groups conserved in situ species of principal importance for the conservation of species of principal conservation of biodiversity in Scotland importance for the conservation of and ensure review of key priorities for biodiversity in Wales, offering advice at survey and research through the 3 yearly each BAP review and on the priorities for BAP reporting process and reporting survey and research through the 3 yearly on progress of the Scottish Biodiversity BAP reporting process Strategy in 2006 and 2009

Target 8. Threats posed by naturalised 10: Management plans in place for at non-native fungus species to be assessed least 100 major alien species that threaten and action taken to communicate and plants, plant communities and associated manage risk habitats and ecosystems

Target 9. Species status monitoring 6: Ensure a programme of regular methods to be developed condition monitoring is in place for all statutory sites and other significant areas not in statutory protection

24 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi Summary table linking UK and country targets

UK FUNGUS CONSERVATION GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PLANT STRATEGY FOR THE CONSERVATION STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR THE STRATEGY HEADLINE TARGET CONSERVATION (GSPC) OF LOWER PLANTS AND FUNGI IN CONSERVATION OF LOWER PLANTS SCOTLAND (SCLPFG) AND FUNGI IN WALES (SCLPFW)

Objective 3

Target 10. Research to be undertaken into 3: Development of models with protocols 10: Provide data and input into codes of the conservation and socio-economic for plant conservation and sustainable conduct to inform sustainable harvesting impacts of collection, particularly at the use, based on research and practical of lower plants for local or commercial use commercial scale experience

Target 11. Encourage sustainable See 10 above harvesting

Target 12. Encourage good practice and 12: 30% of plant-based products 7: Provide data and input into codes of See 10 above the sustainable collection of specimens to derived from sources that are sustainably conduct to inform sustainable harvesting further scientific understanding managed of lower plants for local and commercial use from 2005

Objective 4

Target 13. Greater awareness of fungus 14: The importance of plant diversity and 9: Identify gaps in education and public 13: Identify gaps in education and public conservation and the contribution of the need for its conservation incorporated awareness programmes and support awareness programmes and support fungi to our well-being and social, into communication, educational and action to fill them through instituting links action to fill them through instituting links environmental and economic viability public awareness programmes with partners from 2005. This will include with partners. This will include extending extending the apprentice schemes to the Scottish apprentice schemes into include all lower plant and fungi groups Wales and to cover all lower plant & fungi groups

Target 14. Develop education and See 13 above awareness raising initiatives by the various fungus groups, statutory organisations, charities and voluntary societies

Target 15. Mycology to be embedded in the implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation by 2010 and beyond

Objective 5

Target 16. Provision and development of 12: The establishment of a permanent national centres of excellence to support mycologist post in the National Museum fungus conservation of Wales

Target 17. Further improve communication between fungus conservation and the field recording communities

Target 18. Professional training and 15: The number of trained people 8: Continue dialogue with senior See 12 & 13 above development of mycological expertise working with appropriate facilities in plant management at Royal Botanic Garden, to be developed to ensure that there is conservation increased, according to Edinburgh to secure a senior mycologist, sufficient capacity for the future national needs, to achieve the targets of 2nd lichenologist, a senior bryologist and this strategy phycologist posts in 2005

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 25 References

Long, D. and Ward, S. (2005). Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in Scotland. Plantlife International, Salisbury.

Planta Europa (2008). A sustainable future for Europe: the European Strategy for Plant Conservation 2008-2014. Plantlife International (Salisbury, UK) and the Council of Europe (Strasbourg, France).

Plantlife International, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (2007). Plant Diversity Challenge: 3 Years – 16 Targets – 1 Challenge. JNCC, Peterborough.

UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1994). Details available on www.ukbap.org.uk.

United Nations Environment Programme, Convention on Biological Diversity, Conference of the Parties V, Decision 10 (2002). Global Strategy for P lant Conservation. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Quebec.

Woods, R.G. (2008, in press). A strategy and action plan for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in Wales. Plantlife International, Salisbury. TIM WILKINS / PLANTLIFE TIM WILKINS / PLANTLIFE 26 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi As these relationships are coming to be better understood we stand at the dawning of a new age.

Scarlet Waxcap Hygrocybe coccinea

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 27 Plantlife International - The Wild Plant Conservation Charity 14 Rollestone Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1DX, UK Telephone: +44 (0)1722 342730 Fax: +44 (0)1722 329035 email: [email protected]

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