• Influencers and content creators urged not to encourage mushroom picking in the Forest
• Public asked to help protect one of Britain’s most important habitats for fungi
• “Take photographs, not fungi,” says Epping Forest chief

Visitors, foragers, and social media influencers are being urged to leave wild mushrooms untouched in Epping Forest as conservators prepare for the start of the autumn fungi season.

The City of London Corporation, which manages Epping Forest as a registered charity, is reminding visitors that picking fungi is prohibited under Forest byelaws.

While many content creators may be unaware of the restrictions, videos and posts showing mushrooms being collected can inadvertently encourage others to do the same.

Recent warm weather has already prompted the early appearance of some fungi, including ‘Chicken of the Woods’, Laetiporus sulphureus, with Forest experts closely monitoring how this year's season develops following a summer of heat and drought.

Epping Forest is nationally recognised for its fungal diversity and supports hundreds of recorded species. Many play a vital role in the health of the Forest, helping recycle nutrients, supporting wildlife, and helping preserve some 55,000 ancient trees.

The warning comes as fungi-related content continues to grow in popularity on social media, with posts showcasing unusual mushrooms and foraging finds attracting large audiences online. Even after leaving the Forest, users could be subject to fines or prosecution.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy fungi responsibly by taking photographs and leaving mushrooms and other wildlife exactly as they are found.

Chair of the City Corporation's Epping Forest and Commons Committee, Caroline Haines, said:

"Epping Forest is one of the country's most important habitats for fungi, and many species depend on being left undisturbed.

"We know people are fascinated by mushrooms and want to share their discoveries online. Many influencers and visitors may not realise that picking fungi is not permitted in the Forest, but posts showing mushrooms being collected can encourage others to follow suit.

“We want everyone to enjoy the Forest and experience its remarkable wildlife. Our message is simple: click, don't pick.”

The City Corporation's open spaces have been home to several significant fungi discoveries in recent years. In 2024, a species of mushroom new to science, Hydropus inopinatus, was discovered in Burnham Beeches, while in 2025, the UK’s first confirmed record of a rare fungus species, Russula blumiana, was made in Epping Forest.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk.

Epping Forest stretches from Manor Park in the south to Epping in the north, covering around 8,000 acres and attracting over 10 million visitors annually.

The Forest is of national and international conservation importance, containing two registered historic parks, eight listed buildings and four scheduled ancient monuments.

It is one of the last remaining examples of ancient wood-pasture in southern England and holds national and international conservation status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.

The City Corporation protects 11,000 acres of green space across London and southeast England. Most of these sites are charitable trusts and run at little or no cost to the communities they serve.