Foraging for likes? Influencers urged to leave Epping Forest fungi untouched

Influencers and content creators urged not to encourage mushroom picking in the Forest Public asked to help protect one of Britain’s most important habitats for fungi “Take photographs, not fungi,” says Epping Forest chief Visitors, foragers, and social media influencers are being urged to leave wild mushrooms untouched in Epping Forest as conservators prepare for the start of the autumn fungi season. The City of London Corporation, which manages Epping Forest as a registered charity, is reminding visitors that picking fungi is prohibited under Forest byelaws. While many content creators may be unaware of the restrictions, videos and posts showing mushrooms being collected can inadvertently encourage others to do the same. Recent warm weather has already prompted the early appearance of some fungi, including ‘Chicken of the Woods’, Laetiporus sulphureus, with Forest experts closely monitoring how this year's season develops following a summer of heat and drought. Epping Forest is nationally recognised for its fungal diversity and supports hundreds of recorded species. Many play a vital role in the health of the Forest, helping recycle nutrients, supporting wildlife, and helping pre