This report explores the state of fungus recording in the UK, focusing on data collection, verification, and sharing processes.
Fungi are essential components of ecosystems, and the UK supports globally threatened species and internationally important assemblages of fungi. However, their conservation is hindered by incomplete, inaccessible, and inconsistently verified data.
The recording landscape includes multiple national recording schemes, local groups and online platforms. Issues of duplication, inconsistent verification, and restricted data sharing hinder conservation efforts.
- Key data sources are summarised in the report.
- Verification issues: Ensuring accuracy in fungus identification is challenging due to taxonomic complexities. Different platforms use varied verification standards, creating inconsistencies in data quality.
- Data sharing barriers: Some repositories restrict access, limiting the use of data for conservation planning, including Red List assessments.
- Stakeholder perspectives: A survey of fungus recorders and database managers revealed concerns about data fragmentation, complex submission processes, and the balance between data accessibility and conservation needs.
- Recommendations: The following steps could address the barriers that have been identified:
- Aligning fungi data with FAIR data principles
- Improving and standardising verification
- Enhancing data accessibility
- Improving data interoperability and integration
- Promoting data use in conservation planning and research
- Support for fungus recording at national and local level
Addressing these challenges can improve the use of fungi data for conservation planning, habitat management, and policy decision-making, ensuring fungi receive the attention necessary for their long-term protection.