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Find-a-Fungus
See which of our favourite fungi you can find, take some photos and save your records on iNaturalist.
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We’ve chosen 20 of our favourite fungi for you to find across the UK. They are fairly easy to find, and should be straightforward to identify. Most of them are common (18 species) but 2 are very rare or under-recorded.
The fungi can be found in a range of different habitats and you are unlikely to see all of them in one place, so keep searching…
Why take part?
Most of all, we hope you'll have fun finding-a-fungus!
The data we gather through this survey will provide a better understanding of the distribution of these fungi, by geographic location and by habitat. We will also be able to use the findings to show what makes a fungus ID good enough to be used in research.
The data will be shared with the British Mycological Society’s Fungal Records Database of Britain and Ireland (FRDBI), a comprehensive database of fungus records that can be used to help develop policies and support conservation initiatives.
How to take part
The project will be live from 29th September to 10th October 2025. You can join the project before it opens, but don’t forget to return, to record the fungi you find!
• If you already have an iNaturalist account, search for the project name “UK Fungus Day - Find-a-Fungus” and join the project, or join here.
• If you don’t have an iNaturalist account, you will need to create an account first: read the instructions below.​
How to create an account on iNaturalist
1. Go to www.inaturalist.org, or download the free iNaturalist app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
2. Click “Sign Up”. Enter your email address, username, and password. Agree to the terms and click “Create Account”
(Tip: Use a real email address – you’ll need it to reset your password or get updates.)
3. Set your location settings: Allow location access so your observations can be mapped automatically. On the app, you can also add locations manually if needed.
4. Adjust your profile (optional): Add a profile picture and short bio if you like. You can change settings for privacy, notifications, and data sharing under your account
You’re now part of the iNaturalist community and will be able to join the project “UK Fungus Day – Find-a-Fungus”.
5. Start observing! Tap “Observe” (app) or “Upload” (website). Add photos of the fungi that you find. iNaturalist will often suggest possible identifications to help you. Add location, date, and any notes (e.g. type of habitat)
6. Submit your observations: Tap “Share” (app) or “Submit” (website).
(Tip: You can do this when you’re out and about if you have a good signal, or later when you’re back at home.)
This project is about observing and recording fungi to support conservation and biodiversity awareness. Please do not collect or eat any fungi that you find. Some species may look very similar to one another, and some that appear harmless can be toxic. Identifying fungi with complete certainty sometimes requires microscopic examination or expert knowledge.
The British Mycological Society is a scientific society supporting fungal research and conservation, and highlighting the fundamental importance of fungi in the world's ecosystems. You can read our Code of Conduct for the responsible collection of fungi for research and education, and growing fungi at home.