Fungi SSSI guidelines
The colourful fungi known as waxcaps have
recently become the focus for closer scrutiny when selecting Sites
of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
A supplement to the SSSI Selection Guidelines
has been published dealing with the distinctive assemblages of
fungi associated with certain unimproved and semi-improved
grasslands.
These types of fungus-rich grasslands are
commonly known as ‘waxcap grasslands’ after their most colourful
and noticeable constituents – the waxcap fungi of the genus
Hygrocybe. They can be found in both upland and
lowland situations, but the best examples usually occur where
management has been traditional, with no recent ploughing,
re-seeding or applications of inorganic fertilisers. Their
significance has started to be recognised only in recent years, and
there have been huge losses of this type of habitat, especially in
Europe.
Conservation action in the UK has been impeded
by the lack of suitable SSSI selection guidelines – often these
grasslands are quite poor in flowering plants and would not qualify
for SSSI selection on the basis of their botanical composition
alone. To remedy this situation the conservation agency Chief
Scientists asked the inter-agency Plant Conservation Working Group
to produce supplementary SSSI guidelines. The task was undertaken
by a small working group consisting of David Genney (Scottish
Natural Heritage), Alan Hale (Countryside Council for Wales) and
Mark Wright (Department of Environment Northern Ireland). Ray Woods
from Plantlife also had significant input, and the wider
mycological community was consulted.
The UK is of international importance for
waxcap grasslands: the publication of these supplementary
guidelines should facilitate the protection of the best remaining
sites.
Richard Ferris
Head of Conservation Advice
Tel: +44 (0)1733 866813
Email: