Tougher measures are being sought to address illegal commercial fungi foraging in East Sussex. The Conservators of Ashdown Forest (CAF), responsible for the 10 square mile Site of Special Scientific Interest in Wealden, stated that the annual large-scale picking of mushrooms and other species is having a significant impact on the area's biodiversity.
CAF is appealing for increased assistance to prevent protected heath and woodland from being stripped of fungi, which are then sold to the food industry. Ash Walmsley, CAF's head of countryside, noted that reports are received annually of individuals loading large bags of fungi into vans.
Mark Pearson, CAF's chief executive, said that taking fungi for commercial purposes is illegal, but the current fines, ranging from £100 to £300 under the Theft Act 1968, are not a sufficient deterrent. CAF supports any moves to increase these financial penalties and is asking visitors to report suspicious activity.