Forest Fungi
Sherwood Forest and Budby South Forest form a single Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Removing any plant or fungus from a SSSI is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, so please just look and leave the fungi for others to enjoy too.
With the number of veteran and ancient oaks at Sherwood, it is a haven for fungi such as beefsteak – which really does look meaty – and chicken of the wood, which decay the heartwood of oaks leading to the all-important hollow trees that Sherwood is renowned for.
Beefsteak fungus
More than 300 species have been recorded at Sherwood, living both on the trees and the forest floor. Beneath the surface there is even more – with miles of thread-like fungal hyphae that course through the litter and soil looking for nutrients. Many plants and trees also form intimate relationships with fungi. These mutually-beneficial relationships, known as mycorrhizas, help the forest to thrive by helping the plants and trees obtain nutrients and water in return for a sugar meal to the fungus.
Chicken of the woods
Take one of our guided walks in the autumn to discover the rather secretive world of fungi and we promise you’ll never look at a toadstool the same way again!