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Forgotten Fungi Appeal

Fungi are crucial to nearly all life on Earth, but they are not given the recognition and investment they deserve. Will you join our mission to change that?

Donate today to amplify the voices of our forgotten fungi.

Photo shows a single Blackening Waxcap mushroom in grassland. The mushroom is orange in colour with the cap just starting to turn black on top.

Fungi underpin the health of our environment and are key to resolving the climate, ecological and societal challenges we face. They are integral to human medicine, food production, industrial processes, biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

They are the silent and hidden backbone of our ecosystems, and yet they are often overlooked and undervalued. Today, you have the power to change this. Your donation could help increase understanding of fungi and get them the support they need.

Donate Today

Why do fungi need our help?

Ancient grasslands and woodlands continue to disappear under new houses, intensive farming, tree planting and transport infrastructure, causing many fungi to become rarer. Fungi are also seriously impacted by climate change and nitrogen pollution.

There is a severe lack of knowledge and understanding of fungi compared with plants and animals. Help change this.

Photo showing a Yellow Brain fungus on a piece of dead wood on the forest floor. The bright yellow of the fungus stands out against the dark wood and leaf covered floor.

How many unknown fungi are there?

Kew estimates a staggering 90% of fungal species across the world are currently unknown to science** and we are losing them before we even find them.

With an estimated 2.5 million species of fungi worldwide[1], we desperately need more funding for research and more trained mycologists so we can better understand fungi and identify which species are most at risk and require urgent conservation action.

Collection of Magpie Inkcaps

Why should we care about fungi?

For something so often overlooked, fungi play a key role in plant growth and soil health by breaking down organic material and recycling its nutrients. This process also helps these ‘climate warriors’ lock atmospheric carbon in the soil helping to tackle climate change.

Despite the critical role they play, fungi have historically not been a priority for conservation organisations and other sectors. They are often called ‘The Forgotten Kingdom’ and have a much smaller voice than plants or animals. This needs to change, and with your support, it will.

Act now and be a voice for the silent superheroes of our ecosystems – fungi.

How can we help fungi?

With our natural world under threat more than ever before, there is still time to act – but we cannot do it without you.

Your donation could help us to use our influence to amplify the voices of our forgotten fungi; working with experts around the world to urgently grow knowledge, research and understanding of these fascinating species.

Please will you donate to help fund crucial research?

Donate Today

Girl sits among a group of inkcaps