david bangs
2013-10-29 18:52:26 UTC
Again, interesting, Trevor.
Yes, some of the planned landscape verges - for instance in the old Lincoln
Heath parishes - are very wide and miles long, almost like linear greens,
and are mown...but are they mown often enough to prevent them getting
eutrophic ? Maybe some are...
There was a study done decades ago (and can't reference it, now, I'm afraid)
of a small scrubby common where a travellers encampment lopped a lot of
woody growth for firewood etc and brought the ire of some local folk down on
themselves for it. The conclusion of the study was that there were no
adverse ecological effects from the travellers loppings and a possible
positive effect for the common...
In contrast, I know two middle Sussex places - one a small common and one a
linear green, both on Wealden Clay - where neighbour residents deliberately
allowed the archaic grassland to succeed to scrub as a deterrent to
travellers.
I call that cutting off your nose to spite your face...
Dave Bangs
----- Original Message -----
From: <adastra-request at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
To: <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 3:58 PM
Subject: Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 13
Yes, some of the planned landscape verges - for instance in the old Lincoln
Heath parishes - are very wide and miles long, almost like linear greens,
and are mown...but are they mown often enough to prevent them getting
eutrophic ? Maybe some are...
There was a study done decades ago (and can't reference it, now, I'm afraid)
of a small scrubby common where a travellers encampment lopped a lot of
woody growth for firewood etc and brought the ire of some local folk down on
themselves for it. The conclusion of the study was that there were no
adverse ecological effects from the travellers loppings and a possible
positive effect for the common...
In contrast, I know two middle Sussex places - one a small common and one a
linear green, both on Wealden Clay - where neighbour residents deliberately
allowed the archaic grassland to succeed to scrub as a deterrent to
travellers.
I call that cutting off your nose to spite your face...
Dave Bangs
----- Original Message -----
From: <adastra-request at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
To: <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 3:58 PM
Subject: Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 13
Send Adastra mailing list submissions to
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You can reach the person managing the list at
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Adastra digest..."
1. Re: Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 9 (James, Trevor J.)
2. Re: fungus foraging (Charles Roper)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:39:42 +0000
From: "James, Trevor J." <tjj at ceh.ac.uk>
To: Adastra discussion group <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [Adastra] Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 9
<8C33D34D431A974EAEA913101DDA194402A8F89A01 at nerckwmbc.ad.nerc.ac.uk>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Exactly the same pattern across much of the country, I am afraid, although
the 'planned landscapes' of the Midlands and East Anglia, with often very
wide road verges, do sometimes still at least get cut properly or are used
for hay.
Another interesting aspect of the use of commons was their unofficial use
by tinkers and the like. While some of these were the usual scrap
iron/mess merchants, we once (1970s-1980s) had some very interesting folk,
such as itinerant knife-grinders, who used local commons around Hitchin to
live on in tents, where they would cut down and burn a patch or two of
scrub each year, and then move on, leaving very little rubbish - just a
trampled and small burnt area and a clearing in the encroaching bushes.
This had the effect of maintaining open areas in what would otherwise have
been a dense scrubland! They were not a problem, but of course, got moved
on by the council.
Trevor
________________________________________
From: Adastra [adastra-bounces at lists.sxbrc.org.uk] On Behalf Of david
bangs [dave.bangs at virgin.net]
Sent: 25 October 2013 21:18
To: adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
Subject: Re: [Adastra] Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 9
Thanks Trevor.
Speaking to a friend about the low wealden countryside in the '50's and
60's
he reminded me that many road verges and small fragments of waste of the
manor were then still grazed, and hay crops taken unofficially. The
graziers
were smallholders and cottagers, farmers and hobby farmers, settled and
itinerant travellers. In the nearly half century since this practice
finally
withered (as traffic increased, the lanes were widened and squeezed the
verges, making grazing unsafe on what was left, and as travellers
converted
to motor trailers and were driven off commons, wastes and greens) we have
lost the vast majority of our species-rich verges.
In total, Sussex still has a huge area of roadside waste, much of which is
still under grass...but that grass is mostly rank False Oat Grass and
coarse
tall herbs, and the percentage which remains of value continues to
shrink...and is now under increased pressure from councils' beleaguered
transport budgets,
Dave Bangs
----- Original Message -----
From: <adastra-request at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
To: <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 12:00 PM
Subject: Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 9
subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the contents of this
email and any reply you make may be disclosed by NERC unless it is exempt
from release under the Act. Any material supplied to NERC may be stored in
an electronic records management system.
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 15:58:38 +0000
From: Charles Roper <charles.roper at sxbrc.org.uk>
To: Adastra discussion group <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [Adastra] fungus foraging
<CAGCf0U3gFQ2n1P1WAzZ0Rkh9kun+BGw96ow_Jbn50H4HgwhzYg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
I should set the record straight here and point out that BioBlitz events
are primarily about education and fostering involvement and have a
specific
*A ?BioBlitz? is a large scale wildlife event that engages people with
biodiversity, inviting them to get directly *
*involved in surveying and monitoring. During a BioBlitz event scientists
and members of the public work *
*together to survey a specific area; seeking, identifying and recording as
many species as possible over 24 *
*hours. The majority of events work directly with an environmental records
centre or within certain parameters in *
*order to ensure that the data collected will have maximum scientific
impact.*
http://www.bnhc.org.uk/assets/files/BioBlitz%20Resources/NBBN2012_SupportPack.pdf
So the spirit of a BioBlitz is about responsible education and
conservation
in partnership with naturalists and scientists. I would suggest for anyone
who objects to a fungus foray promoting itself as a BioBlitz to contact
the
BioBlitz national coordinators. I doubt they could stop the event, but
they
could at least request that the term BioBlitz is not used in this context
given the highly controversial nature of foraging. Contact details and
http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/bioblitz/
There is also a public National BioBlitz forum
here<http://national-bioblitz-forum.2332748.n4.nabble.com/> with
a direct link to information regarding the NT event(s)
here<http://national-bioblitz-forum.2332748.n4.nabble.com/Truffle-and-mushroom-hunting-for-BioBlitz-Records-td14.html>
where
you could lodge objections.
Perhaps in the case of these events experienced mycologists should request
be on-hand to educate the public and all involved as to the negative
impact
of foraging and to demonstrate how responsible fungi survey should be
carried out? That is the sort of educational advice a BioBlitz is ideal
for.
Charles
*Charles Roper*
Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre | http://sxbrc.org.uk | 01273 497554
Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the
Companies
Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No.
207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill,
Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone 01273 492630
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Subject: Digest Footer
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Adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
http://lists.sxbrc.org.uk/adastra
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------------------------------
End of Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 13
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
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1. Re: Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 9 (James, Trevor J.)
2. Re: fungus foraging (Charles Roper)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 14:39:42 +0000
From: "James, Trevor J." <tjj at ceh.ac.uk>
To: Adastra discussion group <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [Adastra] Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 9
<8C33D34D431A974EAEA913101DDA194402A8F89A01 at nerckwmbc.ad.nerc.ac.uk>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Exactly the same pattern across much of the country, I am afraid, although
the 'planned landscapes' of the Midlands and East Anglia, with often very
wide road verges, do sometimes still at least get cut properly or are used
for hay.
Another interesting aspect of the use of commons was their unofficial use
by tinkers and the like. While some of these were the usual scrap
iron/mess merchants, we once (1970s-1980s) had some very interesting folk,
such as itinerant knife-grinders, who used local commons around Hitchin to
live on in tents, where they would cut down and burn a patch or two of
scrub each year, and then move on, leaving very little rubbish - just a
trampled and small burnt area and a clearing in the encroaching bushes.
This had the effect of maintaining open areas in what would otherwise have
been a dense scrubland! They were not a problem, but of course, got moved
on by the council.
Trevor
________________________________________
From: Adastra [adastra-bounces at lists.sxbrc.org.uk] On Behalf Of david
bangs [dave.bangs at virgin.net]
Sent: 25 October 2013 21:18
To: adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
Subject: Re: [Adastra] Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 9
Thanks Trevor.
Speaking to a friend about the low wealden countryside in the '50's and
60's
he reminded me that many road verges and small fragments of waste of the
manor were then still grazed, and hay crops taken unofficially. The
graziers
were smallholders and cottagers, farmers and hobby farmers, settled and
itinerant travellers. In the nearly half century since this practice
finally
withered (as traffic increased, the lanes were widened and squeezed the
verges, making grazing unsafe on what was left, and as travellers
converted
to motor trailers and were driven off commons, wastes and greens) we have
lost the vast majority of our species-rich verges.
In total, Sussex still has a huge area of roadside waste, much of which is
still under grass...but that grass is mostly rank False Oat Grass and
coarse
tall herbs, and the percentage which remains of value continues to
shrink...and is now under increased pressure from councils' beleaguered
transport budgets,
Dave Bangs
----- Original Message -----
From: <adastra-request at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
To: <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 12:00 PM
Subject: Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 9
Send Adastra mailing list submissions to
adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://lists.sxbrc.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/adastra_lists.sxbrc.org.uk
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
adastra-request at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
You can reach the person managing the list at
adastra-owner at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Adastra digest..."
1. Re: archaic grasslands unofficial grazing (James, Trevor J.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 12:29:38 +0100
From: "James, Trevor J." <tjj at ceh.ac.uk>
To: Adastra discussion group <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [Adastra] archaic grasslands unofficial grazing
<8C33D34D431A974EAEA913101DDA194402A8391D99 at nerckwmbc.ad.nerc.ac.uk>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
For what it's worth, several sites, not just commons, receive this sort
of
unofficial grazing in Hertfordshire, at least one of which (a former
gravel pit, back-filled and formerly threatened with re-development) is
only of any interest because of this intermittent, unofficial (and
frowned-upon) grazing! The problem is getting it properly timed and
sanctioned.
Trevor James
________________________________________
From: Adastra [adastra-bounces at lists.sxbrc.org.uk] On Behalf Of david
bangs [dave.bangs at virgin.net]
Sent: 21 October 2013 23:41
To: adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
Subject: [Adastra] archaic grasslands unofficial grazing
"Pooving the grais"
Three times recently I?ve come across romany travellers unofficially
grazing (poove) their horses (grais) on neglected archaic Wealden
grasslands in middle Sussex and SE Surrey. They say they ?poove the
grais?. I?ve seen it on two neglected commons, where they keep their
ponies on plug chains, though a foal was unchained, and once on a meadow
that is mown but never grazed. This traveller woman and her dad regularly
lead their horse onto the meadow in the evenings for a good feed up when
no-one is about.
The travellers can do this because the neglected sites are unfenced, so
they can easily walk on.
All three of these sites benefit from such grazing...and on one of them
it
is the only management (though the common is lovely...with abundant
Pepper
Saxifrage and Burnet Saxifrage....and some Cut Leaved Bramble with the
juiciest blackberries !!) The ponies and horses seem contented and
secure.
It?s good to know that someone is doing the right thing by these places.
Does anyone know of any more old grassland sites that benefit from this
practice ?
I remember a young romany bloke staying on Whitehawk Hill for a bit and
grazing his pony by his trailer (till the council moved him on). It may
have been the first time the Hill?s chalk grassland had stock grazing
since world war two !!
Dave Bangs
This message (and any attachments) is for the recipient only. NERC is
subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the contents of this
email and any reply you make may be disclosed by NERC unless it is exempt
from release under the Act. Any material supplied to NERC may be stored
in
an electronic records management system.
------------------------------
Subject: Digest Footer
_______________________________________________
Adastra mailing list
Adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
http://lists.sxbrc.org.uk/adastra
http://lists.sxbrc.org.uk/adastra-archives
------------------------------
End of Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 9
**************************************
This message (and any attachments) is for the recipient only. NERC isadastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
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You can reach the person managing the list at
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Adastra digest..."
1. Re: archaic grasslands unofficial grazing (James, Trevor J.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 12:29:38 +0100
From: "James, Trevor J." <tjj at ceh.ac.uk>
To: Adastra discussion group <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [Adastra] archaic grasslands unofficial grazing
<8C33D34D431A974EAEA913101DDA194402A8391D99 at nerckwmbc.ad.nerc.ac.uk>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
For what it's worth, several sites, not just commons, receive this sort
of
unofficial grazing in Hertfordshire, at least one of which (a former
gravel pit, back-filled and formerly threatened with re-development) is
only of any interest because of this intermittent, unofficial (and
frowned-upon) grazing! The problem is getting it properly timed and
sanctioned.
Trevor James
________________________________________
From: Adastra [adastra-bounces at lists.sxbrc.org.uk] On Behalf Of david
bangs [dave.bangs at virgin.net]
Sent: 21 October 2013 23:41
To: adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
Subject: [Adastra] archaic grasslands unofficial grazing
"Pooving the grais"
Three times recently I?ve come across romany travellers unofficially
grazing (poove) their horses (grais) on neglected archaic Wealden
grasslands in middle Sussex and SE Surrey. They say they ?poove the
grais?. I?ve seen it on two neglected commons, where they keep their
ponies on plug chains, though a foal was unchained, and once on a meadow
that is mown but never grazed. This traveller woman and her dad regularly
lead their horse onto the meadow in the evenings for a good feed up when
no-one is about.
The travellers can do this because the neglected sites are unfenced, so
they can easily walk on.
All three of these sites benefit from such grazing...and on one of them
it
is the only management (though the common is lovely...with abundant
Pepper
Saxifrage and Burnet Saxifrage....and some Cut Leaved Bramble with the
juiciest blackberries !!) The ponies and horses seem contented and
secure.
It?s good to know that someone is doing the right thing by these places.
Does anyone know of any more old grassland sites that benefit from this
practice ?
I remember a young romany bloke staying on Whitehawk Hill for a bit and
grazing his pony by his trailer (till the council moved him on). It may
have been the first time the Hill?s chalk grassland had stock grazing
since world war two !!
Dave Bangs
This message (and any attachments) is for the recipient only. NERC is
subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the contents of this
email and any reply you make may be disclosed by NERC unless it is exempt
from release under the Act. Any material supplied to NERC may be stored
in
an electronic records management system.
------------------------------
Subject: Digest Footer
_______________________________________________
Adastra mailing list
Adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk
http://lists.sxbrc.org.uk/adastra
http://lists.sxbrc.org.uk/adastra-archives
------------------------------
End of Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 9
**************************************
subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the contents of this
email and any reply you make may be disclosed by NERC unless it is exempt
from release under the Act. Any material supplied to NERC may be stored in
an electronic records management system.
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 15:58:38 +0000
From: Charles Roper <charles.roper at sxbrc.org.uk>
To: Adastra discussion group <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [Adastra] fungus foraging
<CAGCf0U3gFQ2n1P1WAzZ0Rkh9kun+BGw96ow_Jbn50H4HgwhzYg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
I should set the record straight here and point out that BioBlitz events
are primarily about education and fostering involvement and have a
specific
*A ?BioBlitz? is a large scale wildlife event that engages people with
biodiversity, inviting them to get directly *
*involved in surveying and monitoring. During a BioBlitz event scientists
and members of the public work *
*together to survey a specific area; seeking, identifying and recording as
many species as possible over 24 *
*hours. The majority of events work directly with an environmental records
centre or within certain parameters in *
*order to ensure that the data collected will have maximum scientific
impact.*
http://www.bnhc.org.uk/assets/files/BioBlitz%20Resources/NBBN2012_SupportPack.pdf
So the spirit of a BioBlitz is about responsible education and
conservation
in partnership with naturalists and scientists. I would suggest for anyone
who objects to a fungus foray promoting itself as a BioBlitz to contact
the
BioBlitz national coordinators. I doubt they could stop the event, but
they
could at least request that the term BioBlitz is not used in this context
given the highly controversial nature of foraging. Contact details and
http://www.bnhc.org.uk/home/bioblitz/
There is also a public National BioBlitz forum
here<http://national-bioblitz-forum.2332748.n4.nabble.com/> with
a direct link to information regarding the NT event(s)
here<http://national-bioblitz-forum.2332748.n4.nabble.com/Truffle-and-mushroom-hunting-for-BioBlitz-Records-td14.html>
where
you could lodge objections.
Perhaps in the case of these events experienced mycologists should request
be on-hand to educate the public and all involved as to the negative
impact
of foraging and to demonstrate how responsible fungi survey should be
carried out? That is the sort of educational advice a BioBlitz is ideal
for.
Charles
**
The email train below takes up the issue of fungus foraging with
reference to a series of 'Bioblitz' events organised on National Trust
properties, some of which are SSSIs.
Both Vivien Hodge and myself feel that the National Trust's attitude to
fungus foraging (see the link in Vivien's piece and its quote from the
NT's
national wildlife adviser, Matthew Oates) is a dereliction of their duty
to
conserve our wildlife resources.
Are we right or are we wrong ?
Dave Bangs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Vivien Hodge (West Weald Fungus Recording Group - personal
capacity).
I agree with you 100%. I disagree with collecting for the pot, it
might have been acceptable when our population was a quarter of its
current
size but it cannot possibly be sustainable with such a vast population
and
so little wildlife habitat left in the UK, especially here in the South
East. Commercial mushroom theft in particular should be dealt with in
the courts in the same way as any other form of theft. Apparently the
Corporation of London have already made several prosecutions over
mushroom
theft from Epping Forest.****
** **
The following has been circulated to the membership of the West Weald
Fungus Recording Group (WWFRG) and the Surrey Fungus Study Group (SFSG)
about the huge impact of mushroom gatherers on Surrey Wildlife Trust?s
Reserves, where collecting is forbidden: ****
** **
?From BBC website, 26 October 2013
Rise in fungi theft at Surrey Wildlife Trust reserves 'unprecedented'
Rangers have reported "unprecedented" numbers of people collecting fungi
at Surrey Wildlife Trust reserves to sell on to restaurants.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-24660153 ?
** **
There was also a brief discussion about over-picking and the huge
problems
in the New Forest on Countryfile on 20th October. So at least the
problem is being aired but not nearly strongly enough. Commercial picking
is of course being driven by London and other city?s restauranteurs, I
know
you have previously written to one of the National papers in that
regard.*
***
** **
The sheer level of interest in eating fungi is alarming. This was
really
brought home to me when I manned stands at two different venues for
National Fungus Day, one at Birtley Wood Fair for WWFRG and one at Kew
Gardens for the SFSG. The same two questions were asked repeatedly
throughout both days: can I eat it, is it poisonous? The number of
people
who bragged about the loads of ceps, giant puffballs and other fungi they
routinely collect was shocking. The fact that, largely speaking, the
Plant and Animal Kingdoms would collapse without the Fungus Kingdom,
seems
to be blissfully ignored. ****
** **
The concern amongst responsible and knowledgeable mycologists was
expressed during a day?s worth of talks centred around fungal evolution
at
the Linnaean Society a fortnight ago. Then, last week I travelled up to
the British Mycological Society (BMS) autumn foray with two eminent
mycologists and chatted to many more, nearly all of whom are as concerned
as you and I. Interestingly one of the few I know who openly supports
foraging lives in Scotland and has, undoubtedly, not yet seen the impact.
****
** **
I feel that fungus picking should be banned under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act just as the wanton picking and digging up of wildflowers
was. It is very sad that the National Trust cannot fully take on board
the conservation of the Fungus Kingdom. It would not dream of
sanctioning the picking of flowers or egg collecting, both of which
activities prevent the natural dispersal of these organisms, just as the
collection of fungi does. ****
****
There is no such thing as ?responsible foraging?, it ignores the need for
the dispersal of sexually produced genetic material; it ignores all of
the
other life forms that live on fungus fruit bodies and those that feed on
them. It ignores all other people who might want to simply enjoy the
sight of fruiting fungi when out in the countryside. ****
** **
Foraging does not necessarily lead to a greater interest in fungi and
should not be regarded as a legitimate ?pathway? to becoming a
responsible
mycologist. Even if it were not illegal (for most species) I am sure
that
no birder in this country would contemplate shooting a few birds before
deciding that watching them would be more rewarding, that?s what the
Victorian did. ****
** **
Of necessity a few fungus fruit bodies are removed by mycologists to
study
and correctly identify in order to learn more about their distribution
and
ultimately apply appropriate conservation measures, but the same
populations are not repeatedly depredated. ****
Mycologists involved with fungus conservation are deeply concerned about
the impact of foraging on the genetic diversity of individual fungus
species. There is a very real risk of a major depletion in the gene
pool of populations of edible fungi and their lookalikes. I cannot
help but wonder how many of the far rarer species of, for example,
*Agaricus
*and *Boletaceae*, have been have been collected along with the more
frequent ones.****
** **
Boletes are at particular risk as they are one group that is easily
recognised by collectors but which are not always individually and
properly
identified in the field. The Joint Nature Conservancy Commiittee (JNCC)
has recently published its Species Status Report no. 14 , Red List of
Fungi for Great Britain Boletaceae in which it states that ?of the 68
accepted GB *Boletaceae* taxa (66 species and two varieties) assessed, 37
(54%) are now considered to be on the Red List.?
http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/SpeciesStatus14_web.pdf****
****
I believe that using Melissa Waddington most certainly does send the
wrong
message, and I am glad that Graeme will be at Southwick. I was due to
help with a students? field study day a couple of weeks ago but cancelled
when I saw that I would be sharing the stage with Melissa Waddington.
Surely a conservation body such as the National Trust should address the
conservation issues of all taxa under its care and should not encourage,
indirectly or otherwise, the random destruction of the members of one
Kingdom. ****
** **
These bioblitzes may raise Public awareness about fungi but I do
seriously
wonder about their value a recording tool. A highly experienced
mycologist colleague recently pointed out that fungi simply cannot be
?bioblitzed?. An easily recognisable minority of fungi can be reliably
identified in the field, very many more cannot. The latter are often
rarer species or microfungi and are simply overlooked. ****
** **
In conclusion I would urge the National Trust and indeed Sussex Wildlife
Trust to ban collection of fungi from all of their sites, to disassociate
themselves from known fungus foragers, and certainly not to run any more
courses on foraging for fungi.
****
----- Original Message -----
*From:* david bangs <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>
*To:* Vivien Hodge <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'vivien at vha123.plus.com');>
*Sent:* Monday, October 28, 2013 4:13 PM
*Subject:* Fw: complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill
I'd appreciate your thoughts on the email trail below, Vivien,
Dave
----- Original Message -----
*From:* david bangs <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>
*To:* Cecil, Jane <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Jane.Cecil at nationaltrust.org.uk');>
*Cc:* Cain, Charlie <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Charlie.Cain at nationaltrust.org.uk');> ; Wellfare,
Graham<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'graham.wellfare at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Oates,
Matthew <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Matthew.Oates at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Scott,
Crispin <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Crispin.Scott at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Byerley,
Gwyneth <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'gwyneth.byerley at nationaltrust.org.uk');>
*Sent:* Monday, October 28, 2013 3:03 PM
*Subject:* Re: complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill
Thanks, Jane.
You have gone some way to reassure me, particularly when you say that the
Trust will 'look again' at who leads such events. I appreciate that.
As you say, the Trust has been giving 'mixed messages' here.
The evidence from this forager-leader's own website is damning. The
'codes
of conduct' put up there constitute a wholly unsustainable approach, and
the picture of her celebrating a collection of large edible morels is
chilling and depressing.
What such foraging means is that conservationist-enthusiasts for wild
fungi (such as myself) are forced to hide information on wild fungal
resources when we would rather involve much greater numbers of
folk in celebrating them. I have myself, in the past, been 'told off' -
quite correctly - by an expert for revealing the locations of local
morels.
There are way over 60 million of us in this country, now, and our
collective freedom to enjoy nature and the countryside is only
sustainable
if we act with the greatest circumspection towards its exploitation.
Foraging for fungal edibles fosters absolutely the wrong culture of
countryside use, in that regard...
cheers
Dave Bangs
----- Original Message -----
*From:* Cecil, Jane <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Jane.Cecil at nationaltrust.org.uk');>
*To:* david bangs <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>
*Cc:* Cain, Charlie <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Charlie.Cain at nationaltrust.org.uk');> ; Wellfare,
Graham<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'graham.wellfare at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Oates,
Matthew <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Matthew.Oates at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Scott,
Crispin <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Crispin.Scott at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Byerley,
Gwyneth <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'gwyneth.byerley at nationaltrust.org.uk');>
*Sent:* Monday, October 28, 2013 11:12 AM
*Subject:* RE: complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill
Dear Dave,****
I?ve read your response several times and there seems to be one main
issue
? that we are using someone who is known as a forager to lead a fungi
recording session.****
** **
I have spoken to a number of people who have been on her sessions and
they
have all said the same thing ? that she actively discourages foraging.
There are often two experts on hand because we can identify more species
that way and that is the main reason for holding these events - to
identify and record the fungi on our sites. However, I can see that using
someone who is known as a forager might present mixed messages.****
** **
Graham will be attending the session at Southwick and he will be making
sure that the message is clear ? that fungi should be left for others to
enjoy. On that basis ? I am not going to cancel the event or change the
leader.****
** **
We will, however look again at how we promote the events in future and
who
leads them.****
Best wishes****
Jane****
** **
** **
[image: cid:image001.jpg at 01CE888F.224D1160] Jane Cecil****
General Manager - South Downs****
****
*The National Trust*****
Estate Office****
Top Road****
Slindon****
West Sussex****
BN18 0RG****
****
*Mobile:* 07900 608206****
*Desk:* 01243 814554****
****
*Mobile:* 07900 608206****
*Desk:* 01243 814554****
****
** **
*From:* david bangs [mailto:dave.bangs at virgin.net <javascript:_e({},
'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>]
*Sent:* 24 October 2013 20:32
*To:* Cecil, Jane
*Cc:* Cain, Charlie; Wellfare, Graham; Oates, Matthew; Scott, Crispin;
Byerley, Gwyneth
*Subject:* Re: complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill****
** **
Hi Jane,****
****
Thanks for the seriousness of your reply. ****
****
You repeat, however, the mistaken rationale which has been put to me
already in justification for utilising this leader...that she will
*"**discuss
the ethics of foraging and its perils ",** * whereas any
leader SHOULD make clear that foraging for fungi is unwanted and damaging
(and doubly so on this SSSI-standard site). ****
****
I have no doubt that a discussion of the ethics of foraging which is led
by a forager will be different from such a discussion led by a
non-foraging
mycologist. ****
****
...And your rationale that she will put folk off foraging by emphasing
its
perils is disingenuous, because *any** *responsible leader of a public
event looking at fungi would emphasise those perils. ****
****
That is merely a universal public health obligation. ****
****
I am surprised, too, by your statement that there is*"normally at least
one scientist on hand who is able to identify most species in the
field",*presumably in addition to the forager-leader. Why, in that case,
do you not
organise these events with the more skilled taxonomist as leader ? Is it
because the NT thinks such scientists lack the charisma of a
forager-leader
?...I find it hard to credit that the NT would succumb to such
stereotypes
of scientists.****
****
The defence of nature is a serious matter...but that doesn't mean that
defending it has to be done seriously...****
****
A competent non-foraging fungus expert leader can have lots of laughs,
get
us excited, enthuse newcomers, and encourage our sense of wonder and
stewardship...all without giving credence to any predation of these life
forms for self-indulgent exotic snacks.****
****
Most fungal fruit bodies are intermittent in appearance, brief /
evanescent / fleeting, and carry in their train a host of dependant
life-forms...other fungi, flies and other arthropods, slugs and snails,
small mammals, et al. There is no sensible comparison between fungal
foraging and foraging for still-abundant wild products, like tree and
shrub
leaves, abundant or dominant greens (like nettles) or naturally abundant
fruits (like blackberries or wilding apples).****
****
I do not think that your letter adds much to this matter, and I urge you
to change the event's leader,****
****
best wishes****
****
Dave Bangs****
****
*From:* Cecil, Jane <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Jane.Cecil at nationaltrust.org.uk');> ****
*To:* david bangs <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>
**
**
*Cc:* Cain, Charlie <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Charlie.Cain at nationaltrust.org.uk');> ; Wellfare,
Graham<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'graham.wellfare at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Oates,
Matthew <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Matthew.Oates at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Scott,
Crispin <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Crispin.Scott at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Byerley,
Gwyneth <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'gwyneth.byerley at nationaltrust.org.uk');> ****
*Sent:* Thursday, October 24, 2013 1:08 PM****
*Subject:* RE: complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill****
** **
Dear Dave,****
Thank you very much for your e-mail and for your concern about the fungi
assemblage on Southwick and the impact of our events.****
** **
Our fungi events and the National Trust?s position on fungi recording and
foraging were discussed in early 2012 with Matthew Oates and Crispin
Scott
as our National and Regional Wildlife specialists. They agreed that we
could hold a series of Bioblitz events where we would *record* what
species we have on the hills around Saddlescombe. The emphasis is very
much
on recording the fungi not on taking them. ****
****
Melissa, who has been co-ordinating these events, is a forager, and will
discuss the ethics of foraging and its perils, during the day. We have
had
about 100 people on these events since 2012 and they raise people?s
awareness of the dangers of not knowing what you are eating and so one of
the consequences is that the vast majority of people leave the event less
confident about identification than they were to start with and with a
better appreciation of the beauty of fungi. They are therefore even less
likely to pick them. ****
****
We have advertised the event via our website
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/things-to-see-and-do/events/**
**
and a poster that says something similar. I can see that the use of the
word ?foray? might be misinterpreted but the description of the event is
clear and talks about looking for and recording fungi. We should have
made
it clearer that this event is about appreciating and recording fungi and
not about foraging for edible fungi. We will take greater care in how we
advertise the events in future to avoid any misunderstandings.****
****
I understand that Melissa has good contacts within the Sussex Fungi group
so there is normally at least one scientist on hand who is able to
identify
most species in the field. If something can?t be identified in the field
is
sometimes taken so that the species can be determined via microscopes,
either on the day or back at the mycologist?s home. We make the call as
to
whether this is necessary and Graham has assured me that single fruiting
bodies won?t be taken. ****
****
All five bioblitz events that have taken place have been hugely
successful, people have come away with a real sense of awe about this
relatively unseen and unknown world. We have also been building up a
really
good database of information. ****
** **
I am sorry that you are not able to attend the event but I don?t see the
need to either cancel it or change its leadership although I have asked
Graham to add some additional emphasis on the need for recording and
relay
your message ?that this assemblage is to be loved and cared for and
shared *intact*, so that the *next day's users* can love it, too?.****
** **
It would be good to share the results from the events with you and
discuss
any future events.****
Kind regards****
Jane****
****
** **
[image: cid:image001.jpg at 01CE888F.224D1160] Jane Cecil****
General Manager - South Downs****
****
*The National Trust*****
Estate Office****
Top Road****
Slindon****
West Sussex****
BN18 0RG****
****
*Mobile:* 07900 608206****
*Desk:* 01243 814554****
****
*Mobile:* 07900 608206****
*Desk:* 01243 814554****
****
** **
*From:* david bangs [mailto:dave.bangs at virgin.net <javascript:_e({},
'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>]
*Sent:* 22 October 2013 11:51
*To:* Cecil, Jane
*Cc:* Cain, Charlie; Wellfare, Graham; Oates, Matthew; Scott, Crispin
*Subject:* complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill****
** **
Dear Jane,****
****
I wish to formally object and complain about the planned NT 'bioblitz'
public event on Southwick Hill on 1st November to be led by a fungus
forager, Melissa Waddingham.****
****
Southwick Hill is the best archaic grassland fungus site known at present
on the Brighton urban fringe. It has a superb assemblage of old meadow
'CHEG' group waxcap and allied fungi as well as much more obvious larger
fungi, including many edibles like Giant Puffball and other puffballs,
mushroom species, and Blue Leg Blewit.****
****
This asemblage is by no means fully known, and I am pleased that the NT
wishes to more comprehensively survey the resource. However, to entangle
this legitimate survey activity with *any* kind of fungal foraging is to
give wholly the wrong message to members of the public.****
****
It puts at greater risk key charismatic parts of that assemblage,
particulary those larger at-risk edibles like Giant Puffball and edible
mushroom species.****
****
I cannot over-emphasise how at-risk those species are at present. Giant
Puffball gets trashed and taken, and other species are taken and wilfully
broken.****
****
The only responsible message to give the Hill's users is that this
assemblage is to be loved and cared for and shared *intact*, so that the
*next
day's users* can love it, too. This is all doubly true for a heavily used
urban fringe site like Southwick Hill which is of SSSI standard. We
should
be giving a clear, strong message that culinary fungi are best bought in
shops and grown at home. ****
****
It has been put to me that we need to tell people about the culinary
qualities of wild fungi as part of the 'draw' to get them back close to
nature. This is simply not true. A good educator can convey passion and
love for these life forms WITHOUT the need to resort to endorsing
damaging
practices. ****
****
It has also been put to me that the forgerer-leader of this event will
talk responsibly about foraging and is likely to put people off some
foraging of edibles. Yet any forager will wish to defend the notion of
'responsible' foraging, to defend their core business, and such notions
of
'responsible' foraging are bound, at best, to convey ambivalence - a
dangerous double message - when what is needed is simple,
defensible, principled clarity.****
****
I cannot attend this event and discourage others from doing so. It should
be cancelled or transferred to the leadership of a non-forager
mycologist.
****
****
You will find no shortage of those,****
****
Dave Bangs ****
****
****
--The email train below takes up the issue of fungus foraging with
reference to a series of 'Bioblitz' events organised on National Trust
properties, some of which are SSSIs.
Both Vivien Hodge and myself feel that the National Trust's attitude to
fungus foraging (see the link in Vivien's piece and its quote from the
NT's
national wildlife adviser, Matthew Oates) is a dereliction of their duty
to
conserve our wildlife resources.
Are we right or are we wrong ?
Dave Bangs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Vivien Hodge (West Weald Fungus Recording Group - personal
capacity).
I agree with you 100%. I disagree with collecting for the pot, it
might have been acceptable when our population was a quarter of its
current
size but it cannot possibly be sustainable with such a vast population
and
so little wildlife habitat left in the UK, especially here in the South
East. Commercial mushroom theft in particular should be dealt with in
the courts in the same way as any other form of theft. Apparently the
Corporation of London have already made several prosecutions over
mushroom
theft from Epping Forest.****
** **
The following has been circulated to the membership of the West Weald
Fungus Recording Group (WWFRG) and the Surrey Fungus Study Group (SFSG)
about the huge impact of mushroom gatherers on Surrey Wildlife Trust?s
Reserves, where collecting is forbidden: ****
** **
?From BBC website, 26 October 2013
Rise in fungi theft at Surrey Wildlife Trust reserves 'unprecedented'
Rangers have reported "unprecedented" numbers of people collecting fungi
at Surrey Wildlife Trust reserves to sell on to restaurants.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-24660153 ?
** **
There was also a brief discussion about over-picking and the huge
problems
in the New Forest on Countryfile on 20th October. So at least the
problem is being aired but not nearly strongly enough. Commercial picking
is of course being driven by London and other city?s restauranteurs, I
know
you have previously written to one of the National papers in that
regard.*
***
** **
The sheer level of interest in eating fungi is alarming. This was
really
brought home to me when I manned stands at two different venues for
National Fungus Day, one at Birtley Wood Fair for WWFRG and one at Kew
Gardens for the SFSG. The same two questions were asked repeatedly
throughout both days: can I eat it, is it poisonous? The number of
people
who bragged about the loads of ceps, giant puffballs and other fungi they
routinely collect was shocking. The fact that, largely speaking, the
Plant and Animal Kingdoms would collapse without the Fungus Kingdom,
seems
to be blissfully ignored. ****
** **
The concern amongst responsible and knowledgeable mycologists was
expressed during a day?s worth of talks centred around fungal evolution
at
the Linnaean Society a fortnight ago. Then, last week I travelled up to
the British Mycological Society (BMS) autumn foray with two eminent
mycologists and chatted to many more, nearly all of whom are as concerned
as you and I. Interestingly one of the few I know who openly supports
foraging lives in Scotland and has, undoubtedly, not yet seen the impact.
****
** **
I feel that fungus picking should be banned under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act just as the wanton picking and digging up of wildflowers
was. It is very sad that the National Trust cannot fully take on board
the conservation of the Fungus Kingdom. It would not dream of
sanctioning the picking of flowers or egg collecting, both of which
activities prevent the natural dispersal of these organisms, just as the
collection of fungi does. ****
****
There is no such thing as ?responsible foraging?, it ignores the need for
the dispersal of sexually produced genetic material; it ignores all of
the
other life forms that live on fungus fruit bodies and those that feed on
them. It ignores all other people who might want to simply enjoy the
sight of fruiting fungi when out in the countryside. ****
** **
Foraging does not necessarily lead to a greater interest in fungi and
should not be regarded as a legitimate ?pathway? to becoming a
responsible
mycologist. Even if it were not illegal (for most species) I am sure
that
no birder in this country would contemplate shooting a few birds before
deciding that watching them would be more rewarding, that?s what the
Victorian did. ****
** **
Of necessity a few fungus fruit bodies are removed by mycologists to
study
and correctly identify in order to learn more about their distribution
and
ultimately apply appropriate conservation measures, but the same
populations are not repeatedly depredated. ****
Mycologists involved with fungus conservation are deeply concerned about
the impact of foraging on the genetic diversity of individual fungus
species. There is a very real risk of a major depletion in the gene
pool of populations of edible fungi and their lookalikes. I cannot
help but wonder how many of the far rarer species of, for example,
*Agaricus
*and *Boletaceae*, have been have been collected along with the more
frequent ones.****
** **
Boletes are at particular risk as they are one group that is easily
recognised by collectors but which are not always individually and
properly
identified in the field. The Joint Nature Conservancy Commiittee (JNCC)
has recently published its Species Status Report no. 14 , Red List of
Fungi for Great Britain Boletaceae in which it states that ?of the 68
accepted GB *Boletaceae* taxa (66 species and two varieties) assessed, 37
(54%) are now considered to be on the Red List.?
http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/pdf/SpeciesStatus14_web.pdf****
****
I believe that using Melissa Waddington most certainly does send the
wrong
message, and I am glad that Graeme will be at Southwick. I was due to
help with a students? field study day a couple of weeks ago but cancelled
when I saw that I would be sharing the stage with Melissa Waddington.
Surely a conservation body such as the National Trust should address the
conservation issues of all taxa under its care and should not encourage,
indirectly or otherwise, the random destruction of the members of one
Kingdom. ****
** **
These bioblitzes may raise Public awareness about fungi but I do
seriously
wonder about their value a recording tool. A highly experienced
mycologist colleague recently pointed out that fungi simply cannot be
?bioblitzed?. An easily recognisable minority of fungi can be reliably
identified in the field, very many more cannot. The latter are often
rarer species or microfungi and are simply overlooked. ****
** **
In conclusion I would urge the National Trust and indeed Sussex Wildlife
Trust to ban collection of fungi from all of their sites, to disassociate
themselves from known fungus foragers, and certainly not to run any more
courses on foraging for fungi.
****
----- Original Message -----
*From:* david bangs <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>
*To:* Vivien Hodge <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'vivien at vha123.plus.com');>
*Sent:* Monday, October 28, 2013 4:13 PM
*Subject:* Fw: complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill
I'd appreciate your thoughts on the email trail below, Vivien,
Dave
----- Original Message -----
*From:* david bangs <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>
*To:* Cecil, Jane <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Jane.Cecil at nationaltrust.org.uk');>
*Cc:* Cain, Charlie <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Charlie.Cain at nationaltrust.org.uk');> ; Wellfare,
Graham<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'graham.wellfare at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Oates,
Matthew <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Matthew.Oates at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Scott,
Crispin <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Crispin.Scott at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Byerley,
Gwyneth <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'gwyneth.byerley at nationaltrust.org.uk');>
*Sent:* Monday, October 28, 2013 3:03 PM
*Subject:* Re: complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill
Thanks, Jane.
You have gone some way to reassure me, particularly when you say that the
Trust will 'look again' at who leads such events. I appreciate that.
As you say, the Trust has been giving 'mixed messages' here.
The evidence from this forager-leader's own website is damning. The
'codes
of conduct' put up there constitute a wholly unsustainable approach, and
the picture of her celebrating a collection of large edible morels is
chilling and depressing.
What such foraging means is that conservationist-enthusiasts for wild
fungi (such as myself) are forced to hide information on wild fungal
resources when we would rather involve much greater numbers of
folk in celebrating them. I have myself, in the past, been 'told off' -
quite correctly - by an expert for revealing the locations of local
morels.
There are way over 60 million of us in this country, now, and our
collective freedom to enjoy nature and the countryside is only
sustainable
if we act with the greatest circumspection towards its exploitation.
Foraging for fungal edibles fosters absolutely the wrong culture of
countryside use, in that regard...
cheers
Dave Bangs
----- Original Message -----
*From:* Cecil, Jane <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Jane.Cecil at nationaltrust.org.uk');>
*To:* david bangs <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>
*Cc:* Cain, Charlie <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Charlie.Cain at nationaltrust.org.uk');> ; Wellfare,
Graham<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'graham.wellfare at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Oates,
Matthew <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Matthew.Oates at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Scott,
Crispin <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Crispin.Scott at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Byerley,
Gwyneth <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'gwyneth.byerley at nationaltrust.org.uk');>
*Sent:* Monday, October 28, 2013 11:12 AM
*Subject:* RE: complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill
Dear Dave,****
I?ve read your response several times and there seems to be one main
issue
? that we are using someone who is known as a forager to lead a fungi
recording session.****
** **
I have spoken to a number of people who have been on her sessions and
they
have all said the same thing ? that she actively discourages foraging.
There are often two experts on hand because we can identify more species
that way and that is the main reason for holding these events - to
identify and record the fungi on our sites. However, I can see that using
someone who is known as a forager might present mixed messages.****
** **
Graham will be attending the session at Southwick and he will be making
sure that the message is clear ? that fungi should be left for others to
enjoy. On that basis ? I am not going to cancel the event or change the
leader.****
** **
We will, however look again at how we promote the events in future and
who
leads them.****
Best wishes****
Jane****
** **
** **
[image: cid:image001.jpg at 01CE888F.224D1160] Jane Cecil****
General Manager - South Downs****
****
*The National Trust*****
Estate Office****
Top Road****
Slindon****
West Sussex****
BN18 0RG****
****
*Mobile:* 07900 608206****
*Desk:* 01243 814554****
****
*Mobile:* 07900 608206****
*Desk:* 01243 814554****
****
** **
*From:* david bangs [mailto:dave.bangs at virgin.net <javascript:_e({},
'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>]
*Sent:* 24 October 2013 20:32
*To:* Cecil, Jane
*Cc:* Cain, Charlie; Wellfare, Graham; Oates, Matthew; Scott, Crispin;
Byerley, Gwyneth
*Subject:* Re: complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill****
** **
Hi Jane,****
****
Thanks for the seriousness of your reply. ****
****
You repeat, however, the mistaken rationale which has been put to me
already in justification for utilising this leader...that she will
*"**discuss
the ethics of foraging and its perils ",** * whereas any
leader SHOULD make clear that foraging for fungi is unwanted and damaging
(and doubly so on this SSSI-standard site). ****
****
I have no doubt that a discussion of the ethics of foraging which is led
by a forager will be different from such a discussion led by a
non-foraging
mycologist. ****
****
...And your rationale that she will put folk off foraging by emphasing
its
perils is disingenuous, because *any** *responsible leader of a public
event looking at fungi would emphasise those perils. ****
****
That is merely a universal public health obligation. ****
****
I am surprised, too, by your statement that there is*"normally at least
one scientist on hand who is able to identify most species in the
field",*presumably in addition to the forager-leader. Why, in that case,
do you not
organise these events with the more skilled taxonomist as leader ? Is it
because the NT thinks such scientists lack the charisma of a
forager-leader
?...I find it hard to credit that the NT would succumb to such
stereotypes
of scientists.****
****
The defence of nature is a serious matter...but that doesn't mean that
defending it has to be done seriously...****
****
A competent non-foraging fungus expert leader can have lots of laughs,
get
us excited, enthuse newcomers, and encourage our sense of wonder and
stewardship...all without giving credence to any predation of these life
forms for self-indulgent exotic snacks.****
****
Most fungal fruit bodies are intermittent in appearance, brief /
evanescent / fleeting, and carry in their train a host of dependant
life-forms...other fungi, flies and other arthropods, slugs and snails,
small mammals, et al. There is no sensible comparison between fungal
foraging and foraging for still-abundant wild products, like tree and
shrub
leaves, abundant or dominant greens (like nettles) or naturally abundant
fruits (like blackberries or wilding apples).****
****
I do not think that your letter adds much to this matter, and I urge you
to change the event's leader,****
****
best wishes****
****
Dave Bangs****
****
*From:* Cecil, Jane <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Jane.Cecil at nationaltrust.org.uk');> ****
*To:* david bangs <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>
**
**
*Cc:* Cain, Charlie <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Charlie.Cain at nationaltrust.org.uk');> ; Wellfare,
Graham<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'graham.wellfare at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Oates,
Matthew <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Matthew.Oates at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Scott,
Crispin <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'Crispin.Scott at nationaltrust.org.uk');>; Byerley,
Gwyneth <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
'gwyneth.byerley at nationaltrust.org.uk');> ****
*Sent:* Thursday, October 24, 2013 1:08 PM****
*Subject:* RE: complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill****
** **
Dear Dave,****
Thank you very much for your e-mail and for your concern about the fungi
assemblage on Southwick and the impact of our events.****
** **
Our fungi events and the National Trust?s position on fungi recording and
foraging were discussed in early 2012 with Matthew Oates and Crispin
Scott
as our National and Regional Wildlife specialists. They agreed that we
could hold a series of Bioblitz events where we would *record* what
species we have on the hills around Saddlescombe. The emphasis is very
much
on recording the fungi not on taking them. ****
****
Melissa, who has been co-ordinating these events, is a forager, and will
discuss the ethics of foraging and its perils, during the day. We have
had
about 100 people on these events since 2012 and they raise people?s
awareness of the dangers of not knowing what you are eating and so one of
the consequences is that the vast majority of people leave the event less
confident about identification than they were to start with and with a
better appreciation of the beauty of fungi. They are therefore even less
likely to pick them. ****
****
We have advertised the event via our website
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke/things-to-see-and-do/events/**
**
and a poster that says something similar. I can see that the use of the
word ?foray? might be misinterpreted but the description of the event is
clear and talks about looking for and recording fungi. We should have
made
it clearer that this event is about appreciating and recording fungi and
not about foraging for edible fungi. We will take greater care in how we
advertise the events in future to avoid any misunderstandings.****
****
I understand that Melissa has good contacts within the Sussex Fungi group
so there is normally at least one scientist on hand who is able to
identify
most species in the field. If something can?t be identified in the field
is
sometimes taken so that the species can be determined via microscopes,
either on the day or back at the mycologist?s home. We make the call as
to
whether this is necessary and Graham has assured me that single fruiting
bodies won?t be taken. ****
****
All five bioblitz events that have taken place have been hugely
successful, people have come away with a real sense of awe about this
relatively unseen and unknown world. We have also been building up a
really
good database of information. ****
** **
I am sorry that you are not able to attend the event but I don?t see the
need to either cancel it or change its leadership although I have asked
Graham to add some additional emphasis on the need for recording and
relay
your message ?that this assemblage is to be loved and cared for and
shared *intact*, so that the *next day's users* can love it, too?.****
** **
It would be good to share the results from the events with you and
discuss
any future events.****
Kind regards****
Jane****
****
** **
[image: cid:image001.jpg at 01CE888F.224D1160] Jane Cecil****
General Manager - South Downs****
****
*The National Trust*****
Estate Office****
Top Road****
Slindon****
West Sussex****
BN18 0RG****
****
*Mobile:* 07900 608206****
*Desk:* 01243 814554****
****
*Mobile:* 07900 608206****
*Desk:* 01243 814554****
****
** **
*From:* david bangs [mailto:dave.bangs at virgin.net <javascript:_e({},
'cvml', 'dave.bangs at virgin.net');>]
*Sent:* 22 October 2013 11:51
*To:* Cecil, Jane
*Cc:* Cain, Charlie; Wellfare, Graham; Oates, Matthew; Scott, Crispin
*Subject:* complaint re fungus foragers on Southwick Hill****
** **
Dear Jane,****
****
I wish to formally object and complain about the planned NT 'bioblitz'
public event on Southwick Hill on 1st November to be led by a fungus
forager, Melissa Waddingham.****
****
Southwick Hill is the best archaic grassland fungus site known at present
on the Brighton urban fringe. It has a superb assemblage of old meadow
'CHEG' group waxcap and allied fungi as well as much more obvious larger
fungi, including many edibles like Giant Puffball and other puffballs,
mushroom species, and Blue Leg Blewit.****
****
This asemblage is by no means fully known, and I am pleased that the NT
wishes to more comprehensively survey the resource. However, to entangle
this legitimate survey activity with *any* kind of fungal foraging is to
give wholly the wrong message to members of the public.****
****
It puts at greater risk key charismatic parts of that assemblage,
particulary those larger at-risk edibles like Giant Puffball and edible
mushroom species.****
****
I cannot over-emphasise how at-risk those species are at present. Giant
Puffball gets trashed and taken, and other species are taken and wilfully
broken.****
****
The only responsible message to give the Hill's users is that this
assemblage is to be loved and cared for and shared *intact*, so that the
*next
day's users* can love it, too. This is all doubly true for a heavily used
urban fringe site like Southwick Hill which is of SSSI standard. We
should
be giving a clear, strong message that culinary fungi are best bought in
shops and grown at home. ****
****
It has been put to me that we need to tell people about the culinary
qualities of wild fungi as part of the 'draw' to get them back close to
nature. This is simply not true. A good educator can convey passion and
love for these life forms WITHOUT the need to resort to endorsing
damaging
practices. ****
****
It has also been put to me that the forgerer-leader of this event will
talk responsibly about foraging and is likely to put people off some
foraging of edibles. Yet any forager will wish to defend the notion of
'responsible' foraging, to defend their core business, and such notions
of
'responsible' foraging are bound, at best, to convey ambivalence - a
dangerous double message - when what is needed is simple,
defensible, principled clarity.****
****
I cannot attend this event and discourage others from doing so. It should
be cancelled or transferred to the leadership of a non-forager
mycologist.
****
****
You will find no shortage of those,****
****
Dave Bangs ****
****
****
*Charles Roper*
Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre | http://sxbrc.org.uk | 01273 497554
Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the
Companies
Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No.
207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill,
Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone 01273 492630
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