A Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi: 2008 …...2017-2-20 · ‘Rust never...

A Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi: 2008-2015

FUNGUSCONSERVATION FORUM

Published by Plantlife International on behalf of the Fungus Conservation Forum.

The Fungus Conservation Forum is a network of organisations working for the conservation of fungi across the UK. It has 17 member organisations representing the field mycological community, non-government organisations, scientific societies and statutory organisations.

Fungus Conservation Forum member organisations:Association of British Fungus GroupsBritish Mycological SocietyCABI Countryside Council for WalesDepartment of Environment Northern IrelandForestry Commission Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust JNCCMOD The National TrustNatural EnglandPlantlife (Chair) Royal Botanic Gardens KewRSPB Scottish Natural HeritageUniversity College DublinWoodland Trust

Acknowledgements: Martyn Ainsworth, Martin Allison, Peter Brash, Jill Butler, Oliver Cheeseman, Chris Cheffings, Jenny Duckworth, Mike Edgington, Shelley Evans, Hubert Fuller, David Genney, Ted Green, Alan Hale, Liz Holden, Oliver Howells, Rebecca Isted, Michael Jordan, Sarah Jupp, Paul Kirk, Kim Lehoucka, Deborah Long, Jayne Manley, Jim Munford, Peter Roberts, David Rumble, Mark Spencer, Brian Spooner, Jill Stevens, Pete Stevens, Malcolm Storey, Jill Sutcliffe, Fiona Tite, Roy Watling, Ray Woods, Mark Wright.

2 | Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi

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Contents

Foreword Tim Smit 4

Executive Summary 7

Summary of Objectives and Targets 8

Introduction 10

A partnership to conserve the 12 UK’s fungi

Objective 1: Understanding and 14 documenting fungal diversity

Objective 2: Conserving fungal 16 diversity

Objective 3: Using fungal diversity 18 sustainably

Objective 4: Promoting education 20 and awareness about fungal diversity

Objective 5: Building capacity for 22 the conservation of fungal diversity

Summary table linking UK and 24 country targets

References 26

Monilia fructigena, cause of the very common brown rot of apples

‘It was mind-blowing to me that something I knew nothing about was the sophisticated engineer of all that I could see’ Tim Smit

Strategy for the Conservation of the UK’s Fungi | 3

Neil Young produced an album entitled ‘Rust never Sleeps’. While the memory of the music lingers only faintly now, the phrase has a haunting quality which stays with me and I am reminded of it by the invitation to write the foreword to ‘Saving the Forgotten Kingdom’. The domain of which it speaks is that of fungi, a curious word, with echoes of death, or at least something of the night. How wrong one can be!

I first became aware of the world of fungi when the Humid Tropics Team at Eden talked endlessly about mycorrhizal as-sociation and the dependence that most plants of the rainforest have on fungi. On closer enquiry I was introduced to a revelation; that this tropical abundance was made possible through the interface between fungi and the roots of trees and plants. They were the engine room of a di-gestive tract that transformed the inedible but nutritious into a medium that could be absorbed. The fungi were the stomach for the roots of the trees and plants. It was mind-blowing to me that something I knew nothing about was the sophisti-cated engineer of all that I could see. I described this to friends at dinner tables with my clumsy unscientific language and they marvelled. Fungi are truly extraordi-nary and more people should know about them as they are vital to our existence and that of the planet as we know it.

There are estimated to be more than 1.5 million species of fungi in the world and 12,000 have been identified in the UK alone (as against c. 2,000 flowering plants). In one small 380 ha of Esher and Oxshott Common in Surrey more than 3,300 species have been recorded. As research unfolds we are shining a light on an increasingly complex series of relationships between plants and fungi.

Foreword

‘One of the great privileges in being invited to write this foreword is to be able to applaud the mycological community in their farsighted approach and their commitment.’


Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria

Meadows are linked by these interconnected plumbing systems and it appears that they play an integral part in balancing the nutrient availability across species, protecting biodiversity. Kill the fungi by throwing artificial fertiliser over the fields and the diversity is decimated.

As these relationships are coming to be better understood we stand at the dawning of a new age. Imagine the end of our reliance on petrochemicals and a new agrarian revolution based on working with the grain of nature and you get a glimmer of a world in which fungi are not the Widow Twankies, but the Prince Charmings of a new order. This is hugely exciting stuff. While this strategy for the conservation of the fungi in the UK underpins the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) it directly contributes to the Global target to ‘halt loss of biodiversity’. But it is more fundamental than that. Fungi may well be the best weapon for conservation that we have.

Based on the 5 objectives identified by GSPC, this strategy for the conservation of the UK’s fungi identifies 18 targets that need to be progressed by 2015 - and they will be. With a good agent and PR team fungi could be granted the A-list status they truly deserve.

One of the great privileges in being invited to write this foreword is to be able to applaud the mycological community in their farsighted approach to the subject and their commitment to collaborate in the name of making a real and long-term difference. In our jargon heavy world, ‘joined-up thinking’ is a horrible buzzword, but for once, in the world of fungi, it seems strangely, yet beautifully appropriate.

Tim Smit CBE Chief Executive of the Eden Project 2008

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Velvet Shank or Winter Mushroom Flammulina velutipes


The importance of fungi to the health and welfare of the planet is no longer in any doubt and the days of suspicion when most fungi were considered poisonous are over. Fungi are now being embraced and conserved for their beauty, their contribution to nutrient cycling and soil fertility, as a source of medicines and other valuable chemicals, as a food source and as a substantial part of the Earth’s biodiversity.

The need is greater than ever for a better appreciation and understanding of these intriguing organisms and an ambitious yet achievable strategy to provide a sound framework to take forward the conservation of fungi in the UK. Given the limited resources available, the Fungus Conservation Forum participating organisations have joined together to co-ordinate their work of raising awareness of fungi – perhaps the one kingdom of the living world that is least widely understood. We know a great deal about these organisms, yet we also know that there is potentially still much to discover especially with regard to their conservation. Understanding and conserving this large and complex kingdom is an enormous task.

There are three key outcomes that will determine the success of this strategy:

■ Better understanding of fungal diversity and fungal ecology so we can communicate sustainable management practice effectively;

■ Improved awareness across society of the importance of fungi and better articulation of the needs of fungus conservation to policy makers and funders;

■ Knowledge acted upon and passed on to future generations through building the capacity of people and communities across the UK.

Executive summary

The importance of fungi to the health and welfare of the planet is no longer in any doubt.

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Summary of objectives and targets

Objective 1: Understanding and documenting fungal diversity

Target 1 Fungus distribution data to be accessible and regularly updated

Target 2 Status of UK fungi to be assessed

Target 3 Checklists of remaining fungal groups to be produced

Target 4 Targeted research into fungal diversity and taxonomy to be undertaken

Objective 2: Conserving fungal diversity

Target 5Appropriately targeted ecological research to be undertaken to identify the ecological requirements of fungi and the land management practices that provide these conditions

Target 6 Important areas for fungal diversity to be conserved and managed appropriately

Target 7 Conservation actions to be initiated for priority species and groups

Target 8Threats posed by naturalised non-native fungus species to be assessed and action taken to communicate and manage risk

Target 9 Species status monitoring methods to be developed

Objective 3: Using fungal diversity sustainably

Target 10Research to be undertaken into the conservation and socio-economic impacts of collection, particularly at the commercial scale

Target 11 Encourage sustainable harvesting

Target 12Encourage good practice and the sustainable collection of specimens to further scientific understanding

Objective 4: Promoting education and awareness about fungal diversity

Target 13Greater awareness of fungus conservation and the contribution of fungi to our well-being and social, environmental and economic viability

Target 14Develop education and awareness raising initiatives by the various fungus groups, statutory organisations, charities and voluntary societies

Target 15Mycology to be embedded in the national implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation by 2010 and beyond

Objective 5: Building capacity for the conservation of fungal diversity

Target 16 Provision and development of national centres of excellence to support fungus conservation

Target 17 Further improve communication between conservation and field recording communities

Target 18Professional training and development of mycological expertise to be developed to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for the future


Understanding and conserving this large and complex kingdom is an enormous task.

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Introduction

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With over 12,000 species known to occur in the UK, it is not surprising that we do not know our mycota as well as we know our flowering plants.

The Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria amethystina


A partnership to conserve the UK’s fungi

The Woolhope Naturalists Field Club, from which the British Mycological Society (BMS) developed, started recording fungi at its forays as long ago as 1877. More recent progress with recording has taken place with the creation and spread of local fungus recording groups organised and assisted by the BMS and the Association of British Fungus Groups (ABFG).

In the late1990s the first Biodiversity Action Plans were published for fungi and the Fungus Conservation Forum was formed. It was set up to co-ordinate and drive forward fungus conservation activity in the UK and to facilitate communication. For the first time, mycological societies and conservation charities have collaborated with statutory bodies. The Fungus Conservation Forum has played a significant role in galvanising action and co-ordinating initiatives.

Although the state of field mycology today is very encouraging, it operates almost entirely on a voluntary basis and there remain huge gaps in our knowledge. Fungus conservation could indeed be considered to be in its infancy. Specific programmes focusing on the conservation of fungi are few and far between and, at present, only a handful of sites are notified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) for their mycological importance. The need now is greater than ever for an ambitious yet achievable strategy to provide a sound framework to take forward the conservation of fungi in the UK.

Existing Strategies:

Global Strategy for Plant Conservation The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) was adopted as part of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2001. It identifies sixteen targets to be met by 2010 that are grouped under five objectives covering: understanding and documenting plant diversity, conserving plant diversity, using plant diversity sustainably, promoting education and awareness about plant diversity and building capacity for the conservation of plant diversity. This

strategy is being taken forward in the UK as ‘Plant Diversity Challenge’, which was launched by the UK Government in 2004, and provides further detail on how the targets will be addressed in the UK for both plants and fungi.

The second European Strategy for Plant Conservation (2008-2014) has been developed by the Planta Europa Network and the Council of Europe as a regional component of the GSPC. The targets relating to fungus conservation within this strategy are being co-ordinated by the European Committee for the Conservation of Fungi, the conservation body of the European Mycological Association.

Strategy for the Conservation of Lower Plants and Fungi in Scotland and Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of Lower Plants and Fungi in WalesThe Scottish strategy (SCLPFS) was produced in 2005 by Plant Link Scotland, the forum for plant conservation organisations in Scotland, and outlines 10 targets with 37 actions that will lead to significant progress in the conservation of fungi, lichens, bryophytes and algae in Scotland. A similar strategy for Wales (SCLPFW) is currently being produced.

A Strategy for the Conservation of Fungi in the UK The above strategies provide a sound and necessary framework for taking forward plant and fungus conservation and operate at different geographic scales and levels of detail. However, there is a need for a strategy that focuses on fungi in the UK that will complement the wider-ranging Global Strategy for Plant Conservation targets.

The UK strategy will run for seven years from 2008-2015, so exceeding the 2010 deadlines of the GSPC. Progress will be reviewed regularly, with the intention of carrying out a fuller mid-term review.

This strategy is necessarily ambitious in its scope and is structured following the five objectives of the GSPC. A vision is presented for each objective, followed by a series of headline targets and a brief outline of the action needed.


Fungus Conservation Forum participating organisations have joined together to co-ordinate their work of raising awareness of fungi.

Southern Marsh-orchid Dactylorhiza praetermissa. A unique partnership - orchids need fungi to survive

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Objective 1

The fungi are a diverse group of organisms, with over 12,000 species thought to occur in the UK alone. Understanding and documenting their diversity underpins all aspects of fungus conservation. A knowledge of which species are present in the UK and their status is necessary so that priorities can be established. Central to this is the effective sourcing, quality control and management of fungal data.

Terrestrial Biodiversity of the UK

Our vision: A full knowledge of the presence and status of fungi in the UK that is supported by accessible and up-to-date quality data.

Targets

1 Fungus distribution data to be accessible and regularly updated

Making all fungal records available through the National Biodiversity Network will go some way to improving the accessibility of fungal data. Species of conservation concern should be prioritised for editing/cleaning. Protocols should be established regarding data capture, entry, quality assurance and associated deposition of voucher specimens.

2 Status of UK fungi to be assessed

A preliminary assessment of threatened British fungi has been prepared by the BMS. This assessment, with explanatory

notes, is now available online and replaces the provisional Red List (Ing, 1992).

A Red List assessment for all UK fungi should be undertaken, possibly as two separate projects within Great Britain and Northern Ireland. All Red Lists should be made available online and updated regularly (eventually aiming for a 5 year cycle).

3 Checklists of remaining fungal groups to be produced

The ascomycetes are a large and complex group for which a modern checklist is needed. The first stage of this work should focus on a subset of the Ascomycota, representing species of conservation concern. Checklists are also needed for the ‘smaller’ groups such as the zygomycetes. All checklists should be made available online and updated regularly.

4 Targeted research into fungal diversity and taxonomy to be undertaken

Fungal diversity research is vital to underpin our conservation assessments and our publicity and education activities and it is important that research needs are assessed and prioritised.

Research areas that may be considered a priority include:

■ combined molecular and morphological resolution of priority taxonomic issues to refine our measures of diversity;

■ the design of species specific primers for the detection of rare and threatened species;

■ improved understanding of the hidden fungal diversity, distribution and links between it and other taxa diversity.

Understanding and documenting fungal diversity

lower plants 1,000higher plants 1,760fungi 12,000invertebrates 13,500

amphibians & reptiles 13fish 84birds 258mammals 62

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Understanding and documenting their diversity underpins all aspects of fungus conservation.

Common Tar Spot Rhytisma acerinum


Objective 2

The conservation of fungi takes place at a variety of scales, from individual species and sites to habitats and landscapes. There are several mechanisms throughout the UK that should support the conservation of fungi, including the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), the designation of protected areas (SSSIs and Special Areas of Conservation or SACs), agri-environment and forestry schemes and the recognition of Important Fungus Areas (IFAs) to raise awareness and ensure protection of these areas. Ecological research is an essential prelude to the conservation of fungi. It is necessary to understand their requirements in order to ensure that sites through to habitats and landscapes are appropriately managed. Certain UK habitats are already known to be important for fungi, including beech and Caledonian pine woodlands, unimproved grasslands and sand dunes.

Our vision: Important fungi sites, habi-tats and landscapes are recognised and managed in a sympathetic manner, maintaining a balance between the broad requirements of fungal communities and those of other taxa and the sometimes unique needs of individual species.

Targets

5 Appropriately targeted ecological research to be undertaken to identify the ecological requirements of fungi and the land management practices that provide these conditions

Research is necessary in order to improve the understanding of fungal ecology and the requirements of individual species, and to aid the assessment of sites. Priority research areas include:

■ developing new approaches to whole community fungus surveys based on combined field and molecular techniques;

■ assessing the impact of different land management practices on total fungal diversity and

■ identifying specific niches and particular nutritional requirements for rare and threatened species. The results of any research need to be communicated so that we can readily respond to any new findings.

6 Important areas for fungal diversity to be conserved and managed appropriately

The provisional list of ‘Important Fun-gus Areas’ should be revised, following refinement of the site selection criteria, to include an assessment of those sites identified as ‘data deficient’ on the provi-sional list and a full list of sites described and published within the next 5 years.

Through liaison with land owners and site managers, sites should be secured and managed appropriately. Land management policies should be reviewed to enable the conservation of IFAs. Current mechanisms should be refined and the designation, extension or revision of the citation of SSSIs for fungi and provision of attractive ‘fungus friendly’ management prescriptions across all agri-environment schemes should be adopted.

7 Conservation actions to be initiated for priority species and groups

In addition to conserving important areas for fungal diversity, there is a need to as-sess the conservation requirements of individual rare and threatened fungus species. For some, conservation can be taken forward through appropriate management of Important Fungus Areas, however other species will require more focused actions and research. The con-servation mechanisms included within the UKBAP process will be key to achieving this target.

Conserving fungal diversity


Important fungi sites, habitats and landscapes should be recognised and managed in a sympathetic manner.

Fungus specialists will need to be en-gaged with the on-the-ground delivery of the BAP targets in order to ensure that important fungi are conserved.

8 Threats posed by naturalised non-native fungus species to be assessed and action taken to communicate and manage risk

Non-native fungi potentially pose a threat to the UK’s biodiversity, but little is currently known of the threats posed by them to threatened native fungi and to plant and fungal diversity generally.

Certain non-native plants such as Sweet Chestnut may act as hosts for threatened fungi and so care should be taken to balance threats to fungi against the benefits to other species or habitats. This should be undertaken through liaison with land managers and raising awareness of the importance of certain non-native species for fungi.

9 Species status monitoring methods to be developed

Monitoring is necessary to assess the changing status of populations and impacts of any management on both threatened species and the fungal diversity of an important site. It is difficult to monitor populations of fungi since the absence of fruiting bodies does not necessarily mean the species is not present. Approaches to monitoring will vary depending on the questions to be asked and may include both indirect habitat monitoring and direct species monitoring. Detailed species surveys may require molecular probes to detect the presence of a non-fruiting species below ground or within trees and other plants.

Establishing the ways and means of assessing and determining conservation status for priority habitats and species is critical to this target. Representative Important Fungus Areas should be selected for pilot testing of monitoring methods (and of additional database development requirements) to monitor national changes.Beech woodland provides important habitat for a wide range

of fungi. Stourhead gardens in Wiltshire

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The collection of fungi for whatever purpose, whether for scientific study or culinary use, should be undertaken sustainably. In practice we know so little about the extent and biology of most fungus species that providing definitive advice backed by sound research is currently not possible. Little is understood of the impact of collecting fruiting bodies of fungi on other dependent organisms, such as beetle and fly larvae.

A risk assessment should be developed and applied to collection activities and advice formulated to reduce the threats posed.

Information should be provided to Government so that the current legal framework can be assessed, reviewed and enforced through voluntary principles or legislation.

Our vision: The sustainable collection of fungi is ensured through communication and effective legislation, supported by research.

Targets

10 Research to be undertaken into the conservation and socio-economic impacts of collection, particularly at the commercial scale

This should be supported by a review of existing literature from the UK and abroad so that current knowledge can be collated and gaps in knowledge identified.

11 Encourage sustainable harvesting

If investigation reveals any negative impacts of harvesting these should be minimised through improving awareness and providing evidence to support enforcement action. The promotion and, if necessary, updating of existing codes of practice such as the ‘Wild Mushroom Pickers’ Code of Conduct’ may also be appropriate.

12 Encourage good practice and the sustainable collection of specimens to further scientific understanding

A code of conduct should be drafted to offer clear advice on minimising any damage that might be caused by collecting for scientific purposes.

Objective 3

Using fungal diversity sustainably


Little is understood of the impact of collecting fruiting bodies of fungi on other dependent organisms, such as beetle and fly larvae.

Penny Bun Boletus edulis

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Objective 4

Whilst this is one of the largest groups of organisms which helps maintain a healthy environment for everyone, it does so generally unseen and unappreciated. For fungus conservation to become embedded in local, regional and national sustainable development plans, society needs to be well informed and able to make wise choices.

Raising awareness of fungi and their importance is fundamental to their conservation. The public understands little of their vital role in the health and functioning of ecosystems or of their wider economic value. There is a considerable amount of work to do within the timescale of this strategy. The aim should be to initially target specific audiences such as conservationists, policy makers and land managers.

Our vision: A good awareness and appreciation of fungi amongst land owners and managers, policy makers, conservationists and the general public.

Targets

13 Greater awareness of fungus conservation and the contribution of fungi to our well-being and social, environmental and economic viability

Focusing on key target audiences, our aim is to provide quality advice on fungus conservation through liaison with conservationists, policy makers, land owners and managers.

New discoveries, research and initiatives should be disseminated to the general public via press, radio, television etc and links between academic institutions, fungus and other conservation charities and statutory bodies forged.

14 Develop education and awareness raising initiatives by the various fungus groups, statutory organisations, charities and voluntary societies

Audiences to target include

a. statutory organisations, NGOs, relevant charities and voluntary societies and b. the media to raise awareness amongst the general public.

Co-ordinate and promote fungus initiatives and events such as the Hereford Festival of Fungi which generate interest and enthusiasm for fungi. Ensure a wide geographical spread of such events.

Support and promote the work of established groups such as ABFG and BMS who have experience and expertise in promoting fungus conservation.

15 Mycology to be embedded in the national implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation by 2010 and beyond

The development of this strategy for UK fungi is an important step forward in recognising the importance of mycology and giving it the profile necessary to further mycological conservation. It is of paramount importance that this strategy does not stand in isolation but is embedded in the conservation delivery mechanisms (for instance Biodiversity Action Plans, country biodiversity strategies) as well as sector plans (regional development plans, Water Framework Directive, agri-environment schemes) in all countries and regions across the UK. Taking up these targets contributes to the global 2010 objective to ‘halt the loss of biodiversity’.

Promoting education and awareness about fungal diversity

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The public understands little of their vital role in the health and functioning of ecosystems or of their wider economic value.

Collared Earthstar Geastrum triplex


Objective 5

While the conservation of fungi has made considerable progress in recent years there are very few staff with fungi expertise in government organisations. In addition there has been a significant increase in requirements for reporting on Biodiversity Action Plans and Targets. With no funding available and very little notice, charities and voluntary field practitioners have been asked to co-ordinate threatened species reviews and provide considerable time and expertise. If the UK is to rely on its volunteer and charitable sector, resources will have to be found to build capacity.

Our vision: Centres of excellence established, and continuity of expertise in place to enable mycological skills and knowledge to be maintained and developed throughout the UK.

Targets

16 Provision and development of national centres of excellence to support fungus conservation

‘Centres of excellence’ refer to physical locations with facilities and / or networks of mycologists (from different organisations) working together.

There is a need for Government and its agencies to have staff (or access to staff) with core skills and the next step will be to agree how this can be provided.

Work plans should include ‘core project time’ that can be called upon to support the implementation of global biodiversity conservation that aims to halt the loss of biodiversity.

17 Further improve communication between conservation and field recording communities

Improving the links between fungus conservation and the field recording communities is vital to take forward the conservation of fungi. The provision of regular updates and feedback and ensuring that the channels of communication are open is an important step towards achieving this. In addition, more support should be given to the recording community whilst ensuring that their contribution is recognised.

18 Professional training and

development of mycological expertise to be developed to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for the future

In order for the vision in this strategy to be realised there needs to be sufficient expertise to drive and take forward fungus conservation work and respond rapidly to issues as they arise. This includes both the appointment of professional mycologists in key organisations and the development of expertise. There should be provision of apprenticeships, so that there is a trained ‘future generation’ of mycologists who can respond to conservation needs and issues.

Building capacity for the conservation of fungal diversity

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There is a need for Government and its agencies to have staff with core skills and the next step will be to agree how this can be provided.

Velvet Shank or Winter Mushroom Flammulina velutipes


Summary table linking UK and country targets

UK FUNGUS CONSERVATION STRATEGY HEADLINE TARGET

GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PLANT CONSERVATION (GSPC)

STRATEGY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF LOWER PLANTS AND FUNGI IN

SCOTLAND (SCLPFG)

STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF LOWER PLANTS

AND FUNGI IN WALES (SCLPFW)

Objective 1

Target 1. Fungus distribution data to be accessible and regularly updated

2: Maintain distributional databases for Scottish lichens, bryophytes, fungi and algae, as part of the UK Threatened Species databases, and subject to regular and ongoing update from 2005

1: Distribution maps of all lower plants and fungi in Wales should be accessible and up to date and mapped at at least the 10km square level

2: Detailed information to be readily available to permit the localization of sites for all Welsh lower plants and fungi of conservation concern

Target 2. Status of UK fungi to be assessed

2: A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of all known plant species at national, regional and international levels

1: Extract Red Lists from the GB Red Data books, where possible, for Scottish lichens, bryophytes, fungi and algae, grouped as appropriate by 2006

3 & 4: Wales to contribute resources and expertise to ensure the creation and regular review of Red Data Books/threat lists/species of conservation concern lists that recognise the importance of Welsh lower plant and fungi species at international, national (UK) and country (Welsh) level

Target 3. Checklists of remaining fungal groups to be produced

1: A widely accessible working list of known plant species, as a step towards a complete world flora

Target 4. Targeted research into fungal diversity and taxonomy to be undertaken

12: The establishment of a permanent mycologist post in the National Museum of Wales

Objective 2

Target 5. Appropriately targeted ecological research to be undertaken to identify the ecological requirements of fungi and land management practices that provide these conditions

3: Development of models with protocols for plant conservation and sustainable use, based on research and practical experience

5: Offer advice at each BAP review on the priorities for research and survey

Target 6. Important areas for fungal diversity to be conserved and managed appropriately

5: Protection of 50% of the most important areas for plant diversity assured

6: At least 30% of production lands managed consistent with the conservation of plant diversity

5: Promote the survey of habitats of high nature conservation interest for their lower plants and fungi from 2005

6: Promote management of key habitats sympathetic to the needs of lower plants and fungi by issuing guidance and advice from 2005

7: Promote the survey and description of habitats of high nature conservation interest for their lower plants & fungi

8: Promote the sympathetic management of key habitats for lower plants and fungi by issuing guidance and advice

Target 7. Conservation actions to be initiated for ‘priority’ species and groups

7: 60% of the world’s threatened species conserved in situ

4: Contribute to the identification of species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in Scotland and ensure review of key priorities for survey and research through the 3 yearly BAP reporting process and reporting on progress of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy in 2006 and 2009

5: Contribute to the identification and conservation of species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in Wales, offering advice at each BAP review and on the priorities for survey and research through the 3 yearly BAP reporting process

Target 8. Threats posed by naturalised non-native fungus species to be assessed and action taken to communicate and manage risk

10: Management plans in place for at least 100 major alien species that threaten plants, plant communities and associated habitats and ecosystems

Target 9. Species status monitoring methods to be developed

6: Ensure a programme of regular condition monitoring is in place for all statutory sites and other significant areas not in statutory protection


Summary table linking UK and country targets

UK FUNGUS CONSERVATION STRATEGY HEADLINE TARGET

GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR PLANT CONSERVATION (GSPC)

STRATEGY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF LOWER PLANTS AND FUNGI IN

SCOTLAND (SCLPFG)

STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF LOWER PLANTS

AND FUNGI IN WALES (SCLPFW)

Objective 3

Target 10. Research to be undertaken into the conservation and socio-economic impacts of collection, particularly at the commercial scale

3: Development of models with protocols for plant conservation and sustainable use, based on research and practical experience

10: Provide data and input into codes of conduct to inform sustainable harvesting of lower plants for local or commercial use

Target 11. Encourage sustainable harvesting

See 10 above

Target 12. Encourage good practice and the sustainable collection of specimens to further scientific understanding

12: 30% of plant-based products derived from sources that are sustainably managed

7: Provide data and input into codes of conduct to inform sustainable harvesting of lower plants for local and commercial use from 2005

See 10 above

Objective 4

Target 13. Greater awareness of fungus conservation and the contribution of fungi to our well-being and social, environmental and economic viability

14: The importance of plant diversity and the need for its conservation incorporated into communication, educational and public awareness programmes

9: Identify gaps in education and public awareness programmes and support action to fill them through instituting links with partners from 2005. This will include extending the apprentice schemes to include all lower plant and fungi groups

13: Identify gaps in education and public awareness programmes and support action to fill them through instituting links with partners. This will include extending the Scottish apprentice schemes into Wales and to cover all lower plant & fungi groups

Target 14. Develop education and awareness raising initiatives by the various fungus groups, statutory organisations, charities and voluntary societies

See 13 above

Target 15. Mycology to be embedded in the implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation by 2010 and beyond

Objective 5

Target 16. Provision and development of national centres of excellence to support fungus conservation

12: The establishment of a permanent mycologist post in the National Museum of Wales

Target 17. Further improve communication between fungus conservation and the field recording communities

Target 18. Professional training and development of mycological expertise to be developed to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for the future

15: The number of trained people working with appropriate facilities in plant conservation increased, according to national needs, to achieve the targets of this strategy

8: Continue dialogue with senior management at Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh to secure a senior mycologist, 2nd lichenologist, a senior bryologist and phycologist posts in 2005

See 12 & 13 above


ReferencesLong, D. and Ward, S. (2005). Strategy for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in Scotland. Plantlife International, Salisbury.

Planta Europa (2008). A sustainable future for Europe: the European Strategy for Plant Conservation 2008-2014. Plantlife International (Salisbury, UK) and the Council of Europe (Strasbourg, France).

Plantlife International, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (2007). Plant Diversity Challenge: 3 Years – 16 Targets – 1 Challenge. JNCC, Peterborough.

UK Biodiversity Action Plan (1994). Details available on www.ukbap.org.uk.

United Nations Environment Programme, Convention on Biological Diversity, Conference of the Parties V, Decision 10 (2002). Global Strategy for lant Conservation. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Quebec.

Woods, R.G. (2008, in press). A strategy and action plan for the conservation of lower plants and fungi in Wales. Plantlife International, Salisbury.

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Scarlet Waxcap Hygrocybe coccinea

As these relationships are coming to be better understood we stand at the dawning of a new age.


Plantlife International - The Wild Plant Conservation Charity 14 Rollestone Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1DX, UK

Telephone: +44 (0)1722 342730 Fax: +44 (0)1722 329035email: [email protected]

www.plantlife.org.uk

Plantlife International - The Wild Plant Conservation Charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales, charity no. 1059559. Registered in Scotland, charity no. SC038951.

© Plantlife International, October 2008ISBN: 1-904749-94-1

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