Has Climate Change Affected Wild Mushrooms?

Wild mushrooms are a part of our natural world just like any other lifeform. As a result, they can be affected by the environment and the effect we as humans have on it. It’s no mystery that our development as a species has heavily impacted the world around us, and fungi is no exception. 

If you’re looking for answers on the impact climate change has had on wild mushrooms, the negative consequences, changing trends and government backed data, then read on to find out more. We’ll also cover some personal anecdotes and experiences I’ve had out in the field, to give further insight into the direct impact our ever changing environment can have in the day to day lives of foragers.

Fungi require a range of conditions and triggers in order to reproduce, spread and thrive. If you’re an enthusiast, mycologist or just a beginner forager, you’ll know that most wild mushrooms need moisture, the right temperatures and suitable substrates in order to grow. These elements are broad and interchangeable depending on species and location. Some fungi need decaying grassroots and cold triggers, others grow in mild conditions and enjoy a forest environment. Regardless of what each individual species prefers, there’s no doubt that climate change has had an impact on the synergy of these conditions.

Climate change has affected ecosystems biodiversity, ecosystems and ecological interactions in general. Rising temperatures and moisture levels are unpredictable, short lived and extreme in comparison to previous years, and this will only continue to worsen. As a result, habitats that have developed with consistent moisture and mild conditions are now drying out, experiencing heavy rainfall sporadically and ultimately becoming uninhabitable. This means fungi we once had in abundance could now start shifting to different areas, or dwindling completely.

The evidence for this can be seen in the UK Government’s Climate Change Risk Assessment 2022. This analysis dictates that changes in rainfall, temperature and precipitation patterns can affect the availability of moisture, and as a result, the habitat for wild mushrooms.

To go into more detail about how climate change has affected, and will continue to affect wild mushrooms, let’s break it down.

Firstly, let’s look at temperature. A large amount of different fungi require temperature triggers and consistent warmth or cold in order to function and reproduce correctly. As temperatures rise, habitats dry out in months where they need moisture. An important aspect to consider is that fungi isn’t just about what’s growing above ground, but below it too. 

Therefore, hidden mycelium below the ground will be affected in the months leading up to fruiting, as well as during heavy fruiting months. The UK Government’s Climate Change Risk Assessment 2022 reports that this fluctuation of temperature can lead to decreased fruiting and a general decline in wild mushroom populations.

Secondly, we come to precipitation. Altered patterns in rainfall and the availability of it areas that were once abundant, can result in a complete lack of required moisture for wild mushrooms. 

This serves as a huge issue for already established mycelium networks. If you look at the UK Climate Projections by the Met Office, it states that these changes triggered by change in climate and condition, can cause shifts in the availability of moisture and nutrients for fungi. Ultimately, this lack of water impacts the reproductive success rate and overall population of UK fungi.

Lastly, it’s essential to look at the affect climate change has on the available substrates and habitat of wild mushrooms. The UK Forestry Commission’s report on climate change has reported significant alterations in the composition of our woodlands and forest here in the UK. 

These alterations, caused by changes in climate, temperatures and available moisture, have resulted in substrate disturbances and sometimes, a complete lack of. Fungi relies on a rich and complex combination of nutrients, minerals and conditions to grow. As a result, if these needs aren’t met, then it can be stated that climate change is going to, and is currently, having a significant effect on specifically woodloving fungi.

Over the years, I have seen a significant decline in flourishing mushroom colonies. That is not to say that they don’t still exist, I still see many. However, at the start of my mycological journey I noticed an abundance of beautiful mushroom patches that could bring a tear to the eye of any budding fungi enthusiast. 

Unfortunately, as time has gone on, and the climate has changed, habitats that once bloomed every year now dwindle, and hard work is required to discover unaffected areas. I think this has something to do with the increase in foragers in general. However, it cannot be ignored that the volatility of our weather and climate is partly to blame. 

There are a number of well know ways to help reduce the impact that climate change has on wild mushrooms habitats in the UK. Before we dive into what I, as a writer and active forager think you should do, we’ll list a few of the ways you can participate in a societal shift towards ecofriendly lifestyles.

• Raise awareness by discussing the issues with everyone you know
• Invest in studies and research that want to help reduce and reverse the effects of climate change
• Volunteer to help restore and improve struggling habitats
• Reduce your personal carbon footprint

These are all fantastic ways you can generally contribute to reducing the impact of climate change on fungi. However, to end this article I’d like to discuss a way in which i personally think we, as foragers, can help. More and more I experience habitat destruction from the human hand that is not directly attributed to climate change. We all have a responsibility as individuals to preserve that which provides us with food, enjoyment, insight and wonder. 

There’s a magic to the mycological world that continues to amaze and shift the way we interact with nature. However, the more of us that become aware of the usefulness and happiness that wild mushroom hunting can bring, the more habitats get interacted with. If you’re genuinely interested in helping preserve something mystical, ancient and generally awe inspiring, then consider your personal impact on the habitats you frequent. Whether you’re a beginner, or an expert, treat all colonies with respect and care. 

Leave immature specimens, spread spores and watch your footing. It’s easy to destroy a habitat in a moment compared to the years it takes to get established.

• UK Government’s Climate Change Risk Assessment
• UK Climate Projections by the Met Office
• UK Forestry Commission’s report on climate change and forestry