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A local fungi enthusiast who discovered the first record of a rare mushroom species in the British Isles whilst driving around Jersey with her toddler has been shortlisted for a national award.
Charlotte Shenkin has been named as one of the finalists of the National Biodiversity Network Newcomer Award 2024.
The NBN is the UK’s largest partnership for nature, and has been championing the sharing of wildlife data since 2000.
Pictured: Charlotte Shenkin came across a rare fungi species called Russula stenocystidiata while driving back from Jersey Zoo with her toddler last year.
"I was absolutely delighted to find out I have been nominated and then shortlisted for the NBN Newcomer Award 2024," said Charlotte.
"It feels really special to be recognised at a national level for my passion for fungi, my efforts to improve data gaps, and for finding new species for Jersey and the British Isles."
Since she started recording fungi in Jersey in March 2023, Charlotte has logged around 1,400 different records – 25 of which were "firsts" for Jersey.
Last year, Charlotte discovered the first record of the Russula stenocystidiata species in the British Isles whilst driving back from Jersey Zoo with her toddler.
She said: "I’m irresistibly drawn to surveying and recording fungi, because it’s like there is an exciting treasure hunt on, 24/7, all year round!
"You just have to start looking!"
Pictured: Charlotte has previously worked as a zookeeper, lab technician, aquarist and a science teacher.
Charlotte has previously been professionally involved in reptile and amphibian conservation and biology teaching, but her interest in fungi was sparked whilst out and about with her children.
"Having toddler twins meant I found myself in lots of new and different places like playparks, forest schools, the woods, sand dunes – and all the time my eyes were searching for interesting organisms," she explained.
"I started to notice fungi everywhere and soon found some absolutely beautiful and rarely seen mushrooms. A new special interest sparked into life very quickly!"
Pictured: DNA analysis was needed to confirm that the mushroom discovered by Charlotte was in fact the rare Russula stenocystidiata.
Charlotte added: "Finding and recording fungi gives a me the perfect blend of mindful meditation, immersion in nature, scientific curiosity, collecting data and knowledge and ultimately the enjoyment of sharing that knowledge with others.
"Being able to enhance scientific understanding of what’s growing where is really the icing on the cake.”
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