Urban wildlife: captured on camera
Fungi - undervalued jewels of the urban jungle
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Just metres from some of Britain’s busiest roads, micro-forests of fungi sprout from the undergrowth. Museum mycologist Mark Spencer shows us some eye-catching examples he spotted in central London and explains their vital ecological role.
Autumn is the best time to look for fungi, as it's when most produce their visible fruiting body. But over 12,000 species live in the UK and plenty fruit in other seasons.
Important note: Some fungi are extremely poisonous. If you are thinking about eating any, you need to be absolutely sure they are safe.
‘Make sure you get expert advice,' advises Mark, 'and join an experienced local group of foragers to build up your experience.'
