Rare and Remarkable Fungi Discovered in Record Numbers Across UK

The UK’s biggest citizen science fungi survey – Plantlife’s Waxcap Watch – has revealed hundreds of new sites for some of the nation’s rarest and most striking grassland fungi.

Three hundred new locations of Pink Waxcap Porpolomopsis calyptriformis classed as “Vulnerable” on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and known for its candypink cap, and 18 new locations of Violet Coral Clavaria zollingeri a rare species recognised for its vibrant violet branching structure, were revealed in data analysed from 2020 – 2024.

These discoveries represent a major leap in knowledge. Before Waxcap Watch, just over 1,000 Pink Waxcap and 183 Violet Coral sites were recorded in the British Mycological Society’s database. The latest findings have significantly expanded these totals – with many new records coming from surprising places, including cemeteries, gardens and farmland around Bangor in North Wales and in the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors national parks.

Clare Blencowe, member of the British Mycological Society’s Field Mycology and Conservation Committee, said: “The discoveries of so many new sites for both Pink Waxcap and Violet Coral are really impressive. These fungi are vital indicators of the health of our grasslands and highlight the biodiversity that exists around us in our towns, as well as our countryside. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteer surveyors, we now have a far clearer picture of where these threatened species survive.”

A significant proportion of surveys in 2024 came from lawns, cemeteries, verges, and other
amenity grasslands – places not typically represented in conservation surveys but which are
proving important new havens for fungi.

Waxcap Watch is Plantlife’s annual survey, held every autumn, aimed at identifying new sites
where grassland fungi can be found, simply by recording the fungi discovered in different
locations up and down the country. This year’s survey runs from 15 September to 31
December 2025.

For more information and to take part simply visit plantlife.org.uk/waxcapwatch

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Waxcap Watch is Plantlife’s national citizen science project dedicated to recording grassland fungi, launched in 2020.
• Waxcaps definition = Waxcaps are a group of grassland fungi. They have brightly coloured fruit bodies, with a waxy texture and widely spaced gills.
• Fungi definition = Fungi are a kingdom of life which includes mushrooms, moulds, and yeasts. Although closely related, fungi are neither plants or animals.
• Almost 600 surveys were submitted in 2024, the highest number to date in the 5 years Waxcap Watch has been running.
• Pink Waxcap Porpolomopsis calyptriformis is classed as “Vulnerable” on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• Violet Coral Clavaria zollingeri is a rare species recognised for its vibrant violet branching structure, also on the IUCN Red List as ‘Vulnerable’.
• Habitat breakdowns reveal strong participation from urban and amenity grasslands, highlighting the role of cemeteries, lawns, and verges in supporting fungi diversity.

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