Field Mycology & Conservation
Co-ordinated by the Field Mycology and Conservation Committee (FMC Committee), the BMS supports the recording and describing of the vast diversity of fungal life in the UK, and its conservation. This is reliant on the tremendous effort made by individual members and local autonomous groups. We support anyone with an interest in observing, recording and promoting the conservation of fungi.
We organise a number of meetings, forays and workshops each year that are open to everyone. The events are coordinated by the Foray Manager and local organisers. Tutors are experienced field mycologists based both in the United Kingdom and in the rest of Europe.
The BMS produces Field Mycology, a quarterly publication concerning topics relevant to the field mycologist.
The FMC Committee co-ordinates the recording of the occurrence of fungi and records are held in the Fungal Records Database of Britain and Ireland (FRDBI). The FRDBI holds over 2.5 million records and is a major resource for conservation and research purposes. We also support the Recording Network of local groups affiliated to the BMS, which includes groups from all four nations of the UK. The groups provide an excellent opportunity for those starting to explore the fungal kingdom as well as providing support and help for more experienced field mycologists.
We have been committed to promoting the conservation of fungi for 25 years, and have contributed to the development of Red Data Lists, Biodiversity Action Plans, and the selection of species for the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
The FMC Committee considers nominations for the Field Mycology Award which recognises those who have contributed significantly to the advancement of British field mycology.
