david bangs
2013-10-31 18:52:19 UTC
Like Vivien, I also commented on the Bioblitz Forum and made a formal
complaint about the Nat Trust's Bioblitz leadership.
Thanks for the information, Charles,
Dave Bangs
----- Original Message -----
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Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2013 11:42 AM
Subject: Adastra Digest, Vol 89, Issue 17
complaint about the Nat Trust's Bioblitz leadership.
Thanks for the information, Charles,
Dave Bangs
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1. Re: fungus foraging (Vivien Hodge)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 11:42:26 -0000
From: "Vivien Hodge" <vivien at vha123.plus.com>
To: "'Adastra discussion group'" <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [Adastra] fungus foraging
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Thanks for additional information, Charles.
And thanks for the contact at the link to the Bioblitz website. I have
contacted them regarding the conservation concerns around this issue, with
respect to this particular leader, and would encourage anyone else who is
concerned about the Fungus Kingdom in the UK to do the same.
Cheers
Vivien
From: Adastra [mailto:adastra-bounces at lists.sxbrc.org.uk] On Behalf Of
Charles Roper
Sent: 31 October 2013 11:05
To: Adastra discussion group
Subject: Re: [Adastra] fungus foraging
Thanks Vivien - I have learned something new today - I didn't know the
distinction between a fungi foray and forage.
With regards to taking samples at a bioblitz for later identification,
that is something participants certainly can and will do even though that
doesn't strictly adhere to the 24hr rule. The 2013 Garden BioBlitz for
example happened on 1-2 June and the id work and collation has only very
recently finished. Communicating the fact that not everything can be
identified in the field is another important educational aspect of the
day. Bigger, well-organised events will have a tent or designated building
with id work going on, again to show how it's done and to pique interests.
Think of it as a 24hr festival of recording encompassing not just field
work, but identification too.
So yes, in terms of robust scientific survey, a bioblitz is no substitute
for? the real thing. As you say, much will be missed.
All the best,
Charles
--
Charles Roper
Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre | http://sxbrc.org.uk | 01273 497554
Thank you for the definition of a bioblitz.
I would also clarify the meaning of the words foraying and foraging when
applied to fungi. The term foray was adopted many decades ago by a
fungus recording group (I do not have time at present to find the
reference) and is (or at least should be) a benign activity carried out
for the purpose of recording, it is normally necessary to remove a small
amount of material for further examination. Fungus foraging is for the
purpose of eating and a limited few taxa are repeatedly targeted.
Accordingly, there should be no reason to object to a fungus foray forming
part of a bioblitz other than serious concerns about the person leading
it.
Dave and my objection is that the bioblitz at Southwick is being led by a
known ?forager?. It does not take much imagination to realise that
known foragers may well be tempted to use information on the location of
edible fungi obtained during a bioblitz.
As far as the value of a bioblitz for recording fungi is concerned you
have reinforced my contention that this is likely to be limited. In
order to accurately identify the mycota of a site it is necessary to take
a proportion of the material back to carry out further examination with
the use of microscopes and a wide range of literature before determining.
This cannot happen in a 24 hour period, let alone whilst on site. Many
more will be present that are barely visible to the naked eye, let alone
identifiable, these would in all likelihood be ignored during a bioblitz.
Vivien
From: Adastra [mailto:adastra-bounces at lists.sxbrc.org.uk] On Behalf Of
Charles Roper
Sent: 29 October 2013 15:59
To: Adastra discussion group
Subject: Re: [Adastra] fungus foraging
I should set the record straight here and point out that BioBlitz events
are primarily about education and fostering involvement and have a
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 further details of BioBlitz can be found
here: 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
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
?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>
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>
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
To: Vivien Hodge
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
To: Cecil, Jane
Cc: Cain, Charlie ; Wellfare, Graham ; Oates, Matthew ; Scott, Crispin ;
Byerley, Gwyneth
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
To: david bangs
Cc: Cain, Charlie ; Wellfare, Graham ; Oates, Matthew ; Scott, Crispin ;
Byerley, Gwyneth
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
Jane Cecil
General Manager - South Downs
The National Trust
Estate Office
Top Road
Slindon
West Sussex
BN18 0RG
Mobile: 07900 608206 <tel:07900%20608206>
Desk: 01243 814554 <tel:01243%20814554>
Mobile: 07900 608206 <tel:07900%20608206>
Desk: 01243 814554 <tel:01243%20814554>
From: david bangs [mailto: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
To: david bangs
Cc: Cain, Charlie ; Wellfare, Graham ; Oates, Matthew ; Scott, Crispin ;
Byerley, Gwyneth
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
Jane Cecil
General Manager - South Downs
The National Trust
Estate Office
Top Road
Slindon
West Sussex
BN18 0RG
Mobile: 07900 608206 <tel:07900%20608206>
Desk: 01243 814554 <tel:01243%20814554>
Mobile: 07900 608206 <tel:07900%20608206>
Desk: 01243 814554 <tel:01243%20814554>
From: david bangs [mailto: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
<tel:01273%20497554>
Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the
Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered
Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone 01273 492630
<tel:01273%20492630>
?
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1. Re: fungus foraging (Vivien Hodge)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 11:42:26 -0000
From: "Vivien Hodge" <vivien at vha123.plus.com>
To: "'Adastra discussion group'" <adastra at lists.sxbrc.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [Adastra] fungus foraging
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
Thanks for additional information, Charles.
And thanks for the contact at the link to the Bioblitz website. I have
contacted them regarding the conservation concerns around this issue, with
respect to this particular leader, and would encourage anyone else who is
concerned about the Fungus Kingdom in the UK to do the same.
Cheers
Vivien
From: Adastra [mailto:adastra-bounces at lists.sxbrc.org.uk] On Behalf Of
Charles Roper
Sent: 31 October 2013 11:05
To: Adastra discussion group
Subject: Re: [Adastra] fungus foraging
Thanks Vivien - I have learned something new today - I didn't know the
distinction between a fungi foray and forage.
With regards to taking samples at a bioblitz for later identification,
that is something participants certainly can and will do even though that
doesn't strictly adhere to the 24hr rule. The 2013 Garden BioBlitz for
example happened on 1-2 June and the id work and collation has only very
recently finished. Communicating the fact that not everything can be
identified in the field is another important educational aspect of the
day. Bigger, well-organised events will have a tent or designated building
with id work going on, again to show how it's done and to pique interests.
Think of it as a 24hr festival of recording encompassing not just field
work, but identification too.
So yes, in terms of robust scientific survey, a bioblitz is no substitute
for? the real thing. As you say, much will be missed.
All the best,
Charles
--
Charles Roper
Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre | http://sxbrc.org.uk | 01273 497554
Thank you for the definition of a bioblitz.
I would also clarify the meaning of the words foraying and foraging when
applied to fungi. The term foray was adopted many decades ago by a
fungus recording group (I do not have time at present to find the
reference) and is (or at least should be) a benign activity carried out
for the purpose of recording, it is normally necessary to remove a small
amount of material for further examination. Fungus foraging is for the
purpose of eating and a limited few taxa are repeatedly targeted.
Accordingly, there should be no reason to object to a fungus foray forming
part of a bioblitz other than serious concerns about the person leading
it.
Dave and my objection is that the bioblitz at Southwick is being led by a
known ?forager?. It does not take much imagination to realise that
known foragers may well be tempted to use information on the location of
edible fungi obtained during a bioblitz.
As far as the value of a bioblitz for recording fungi is concerned you
have reinforced my contention that this is likely to be limited. In
order to accurately identify the mycota of a site it is necessary to take
a proportion of the material back to carry out further examination with
the use of microscopes and a wide range of literature before determining.
This cannot happen in a 24 hour period, let alone whilst on site. Many
more will be present that are barely visible to the naked eye, let alone
identifiable, these would in all likelihood be ignored during a bioblitz.
Vivien
From: Adastra [mailto:adastra-bounces at lists.sxbrc.org.uk] On Behalf Of
Charles Roper
Sent: 29 October 2013 15:59
To: Adastra discussion group
Subject: Re: [Adastra] fungus foraging
I should set the record straight here and point out that BioBlitz events
are primarily about education and fostering involvement and have a
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 further details of BioBlitz can be found
here: 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 mighthave 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
?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>
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>
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
To: Vivien Hodge
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
To: Cecil, Jane
Cc: Cain, Charlie ; Wellfare, Graham ; Oates, Matthew ; Scott, Crispin ;
Byerley, Gwyneth
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
To: david bangs
Cc: Cain, Charlie ; Wellfare, Graham ; Oates, Matthew ; Scott, Crispin ;
Byerley, Gwyneth
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
Jane Cecil
General Manager - South Downs
The National Trust
Estate Office
Top Road
Slindon
West Sussex
BN18 0RG
Mobile: 07900 608206 <tel:07900%20608206>
Desk: 01243 814554 <tel:01243%20814554>
Mobile: 07900 608206 <tel:07900%20608206>
Desk: 01243 814554 <tel:01243%20814554>
From: david bangs [mailto: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
To: david bangs
Cc: Cain, Charlie ; Wellfare, Graham ; Oates, Matthew ; Scott, Crispin ;
Byerley, Gwyneth
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
Jane Cecil
General Manager - South Downs
The National Trust
Estate Office
Top Road
Slindon
West Sussex
BN18 0RG
Mobile: 07900 608206 <tel:07900%20608206>
Desk: 01243 814554 <tel:01243%20814554>
Mobile: 07900 608206 <tel:07900%20608206>
Desk: 01243 814554 <tel:01243%20814554>
From: david bangs [mailto: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
<tel:01273%20497554>
Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the
Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered
Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone 01273 492630
<tel:01273%20492630>
?
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