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Mushroom mania appears to be sweeping the island, with a fun-gi local social media group seeing a 50% growth in activity in the last month alone. Express heard about some of their top finds...
The increased interest is attributed to people wanting to connect with nature, an "excellent" mushroom season, and increased awareness of mushroom hunting due to media coverage and education efforts.
A Facebook group, “Jersey (CI) Wild Mushroom Hunting!”, dedicated to recording the many wild mushrooms found in Jersey has doubled its numbers from 650 members in early August to 1,200 in November, said Charlotte Shenkin, a local fungi enthusiast who is an admin of the Facebook group and member of the Société Jersiaise.
Keith Norman, Chair of the Société Jersiaise Mycology Section, which focuses on the academic study of fungi, agreed that mushrooms have gained popularity in the public eye.
The Mycology discipline, or “section”, represented by the heritage group is dedicated to identifying and formally recording Jersey's fungi, studying them, recording sightings of protected species, and educating people about the subject.
Both Charlotte and Keith spoke with Express about the surge in interest and shared their favourite fungi finds of the season.
Charlotte sees the increased interest in fungi as an "excellent thing" that fosters a stronger connection to nature and encourages people to get outdoors.
She said: “The more records people make the better our knowledge of fungi in Jersey and the better armed we are to try and protect species and environments."
Islanders can help update the island's fungal database by contributing images and details about detected mushrooms to the Jersey Biodiversity Centre.
Keith agreed that more people are seeking more connection with the natural world, especially in light of climate change concerns.
He explained: “Going out into the woods, parks and other natural environments allows people to become mindful and they come across all the amazing life that is there including mushrooms”.
Charlotte suggested that media coverage has played a role in raising awareness, with her discovery of a rare mushroom in Trinity making local headlines in August.
“As a result, people are more interested in looking for and then sharing their finds," she said.
Pictured: Charlotte shared her rare find with the local fungi community in August on the 'Jersey (CI) Wild Mushroom Hunting!' group.
Keith added: “Another reason I feel mushrooms have been so popular in the public’s eye lately is because of the international news story about the Australian woman that has been charged with three murders due to mushroom poisoning by Death Cap mushrooms.
"I’ve had so many people ask me about this!”
Both agreed that social media, particularly Facebook, has contributed to spreading awareness of fungi.
Keith explained: “People seem to enjoy posting photos of their wonderful finds, with others getting involved to help identify them.
“It’s a fun way for people to engage with each other and it’s encouraging to see so many joining these Facebook groups.
"Especially when it seemed like so few of us fungi enthusiasts before!"
Keith described this year as "extraordinary” due to the warm and wet summer conditions, which create ideal circumstances for fungi to flourish – leading to “many species you wouldn’t expect to see popping up in summer".
Charlotte echoed this, stating that it has been an "excellent year" for fungi enthusiasts, with a surge in sightings of different mushroom varieties.
“Since we hit summer there have been more than I can keep up with!” she said.
"There are just under 1700 species of fungi recorded in Jersey so far and we know there must be many more.
"Part of the enjoyment for me is wondering if a mushroom I’ve found has ever been seen here before!"
Regarding the impact of climate change, Charlotte explained that fungi are resilient as their underground network is not dependent on sunlight and seasonal patterns like plants.
Fungi can wait for ideal conditions, responding when they arise, leading to multiple flushes across the year.
"These beautiful green mushrooms were my first extra special discovery in December last year.
"They smell like pear drops or strawberries and this was the second record in Jersey. Found in a park flowerbed."
"When a patch of these extremely rare and endangered fungi popped up in St Brelade, members of the Société Jersiaise Mycology Section dropped everything to go and see them!
"Protected from collection or disturbance under Jersey law."
"An appropriate name for this bizarre and pungent fungus! Jersey is blessed with an abundance of this fungus which is very rarely seen in mainland Britain.
"Easily seen around Les Quennevais sports centre and the Railway walk."
"This distinctive waxcap is easily recognised by its furry cap. Waxcaps are threatened and in serious decline across Europe due to habitat loss.
"They thrive in peaceful churchyards all over the island, I found this one and 20 more in St Martin."
"These lilac bonnets were one of the very first mushrooms I noticed when I was starting to become interested in fungi.
"Apparently weakly bioluminescent! I found these in the woods at Greve De Lecq."
Orange Pore Fungus - Favolaschia calocera (invasive species)
Islanders can improve the island’s database of fungi records by submitting photos and details including accurate locations of identified fungi to the Jersey Biodiversity Centre.
Islanders can also join the 'Jersey (CI) Wild Mushroom Hunting' Facebook group HERE.
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