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2023 photography competition
winners and runners up
Fungi play vitally important roles in the natural environment and in our lives. This year, our theme for UK Fungus Day was the many faces of fungi, encapsulating the myriad of ways that fungi contribute to our world. Fungi are with us throughout history in folklore and mythology, playing important roles in ecosystems, and in modern use to benefit society. So we encouraged submissions of fungus photos to capture the many faces of fungi, with prizes for the winner and runners up in each age category!
Age up to 11 years -
 Winner - Amelia Cearns"Tree bark mushroom" Photo taken in Culbin Forest in Forres, Scotland The judges said: "More like Jupiter than a small fungus growing on heathland. A beautiful fungus in a surprising setting." Judges' ID: Coltricia perennis (Tiger's Eye fungus) |  Runner-up - Hettie Payne"Old Mr Lonely under the oak tree." Photo taken under an oak tree on a north facing paddock of Hettie's family's farm. The judges said: "Nicely framed to bring out the bokeh in the trees above. This image captures the texture of the fungus and its habitat really well." Judges' ID: Chlorophyllum rhacodes (Shaggy Parasol) |  Runner-up - Lyla Lucas"What the fungi?" Photo taken at Culzean Castle, South Ayrshire. The judges said: "The contrast of both texture and colour separates the plants and fungi from each other, highlighting the differences between them." Judges' ID: Hypholoma species. |
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Age 12 to 17 years -
 Winner - Jennifer Gray"Moss faces north but fungi is all encompassing" Photo taken at Falls of Clyde, Scotland. The judges said: "A lovely expression of how fungi frame so many living worlds. This image captures the architectural forms of this fungus really well and the spider web adds a great focal point and sense of scale." Judges' ID: unable to identify |  Runner-up - Amelie Patel"Amanita muscaria" Photo taken on a hike in Surrey Hills. The judges said: "This sharp and vivid image of Fly Agaric uses the depth of field to show the mushroom's family history. Clever! A great capture of a classic fungus that shows its habitat well." Judges' ID: Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric) |  Runner-up - Megan Snell"The little things" Photo taken at Haldon Forest, Devon. The judges said: "This image captures an iconic moment every lover-of-fungi has had: finding a non-descript, small mushroom in between some plants; the focus on the mushroom highlights the curiosity we have." Judges' ID: possible Mycena species |
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Age 18 years and over -
 Winner - Michael Valentine"Green Earthtongue (Microglossum viride)" Photo taken in Gisburn Forest, Lancashire, using natural light with a reflector to bounce additional light under the tree canopy. The judges said: "A beautiful fungus that many people will never see. Brought to life here with sensitive lighting and framing. This is a fantastic group of fungi beautifully captured. The image brilliantly shows the varieties of form and texture of the fruiting bodies." Judges' ID: Microglossum viride (Green Earthtongue) |  Runner-up - Angi Wallace"Amethyst deceiver Sombrero hat trio" Photographed with flash to achieve a dark background and lighting the fungi, in Northumberland. The judges said: "A fresh perspective on this iconic species. A great portrait of fungi from an unusual angle." Judges' ID: Laccaria amethystina (Amethyst Deceiver) |  Runner-up - Will Salter"Decomposer 'Litter Pickers' " Photo taken in woodland, Dinas Powys, South Wales. The judges said: "This photo does a wonderful job of celebrating the habitat and ecology of a mushroom that is easy to miss. A beautiful image of tiny fungi that most people would overlook." Judges' ID: Marasmius species |
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This photo competition is supported by NHBS
NHBS’s core purpose is to support those who work to understand, protect, and conserve the natural environment. We do this by offering the largest range of wildlife, ecology and conservation books and equipment in the world, providing expert advice and support to our customers, and providing the continuity in products and services that is essential for professionals.
Through UK Fungus Day, the British Mycological Society shares the importance of fungi to our lives and aims to inspire others to help preserve our native fungi and improve our scientific knowledge of these unique and remarkable organisms.
Observing, collecting and growing fungi
The British Mycological Society is a scientific society supporting fungal research and conservation, and highlighting the fundamental importance fungi in the world's ecosystems.
Read our Code of Conduct for the responsible collection of fungi for research and education, and growing fungi at home.
Contact us:
British Mycological Society
Registered charity no. 276503
Email: sally@britmycolsoc.info