Isle of Man Fungus Group


  • The Isle of Man Fungus Group was established at an inaugural meeting in 2012 after Scottish mycologist Nev Kilkenny came to the island and ran an enjoyable and fascinating weekend course in 2011. Nev has been across to the island to run a weekend course in fungus identification most years since then. Some members have developed their skills, including microscopy necessary for identifying difficult species, such that members felt confident to run a course themselves in 2020, when Nev’s travel was restricted by Covid.
  • The Isle of Man Fungus Group is a group of like-minded people fascinated by the beauty and strangeness of fungi, and the challenge of putting a name to them. Some members started with an interest in fungi to eat but soon realised there was much more to a fungus than its taste. This is not a forage for food group.
  • The Group also works with landowners to ensure special areas for fungi are conserved and well-managed. Semi-improved grasslands and lawns which are rich in colourful waxcaps, corals and spindles need to be cut short and not fertilised. Woodland fungi benefit from leaving dead wood to rot and grow the fruiting bodies of fungi. The group is affiliated to the Fungus Conservation Trust and is a member of the Manx Biological Recording Partnership.
  • Isle of Man Fungus Group is a membership organisation. Members receive programmes and event news. Forays and identification training sessions are organised by the group during the autumn.
  • Forays are normally free for members and non-members pay £5 a foray. Membership is £10 (individual) or £15 (couple/family) renewable in August - at the start of the fungus season.
  • Here is the Membership Form - open to all fungi enthusiasts
  • The Group also has a Facebook page where some events and public forays are advertised.
  • The Isle of Man Fungus Group is committed to recording and conserving fungus biodiversity and is NOT a "foraging for food" group.
  • Constitution

    The Isle of Man Fungus group held its first AGM in 2013 at which it agreed the constitution, elected a committee and set the membership rates. The group is affiliated to the Fungus Conservation Trust.

  • Committee @ 2023-24
    • PositionName
    ChairpersonLiz Charter
    TreasurerKaren Rodger
    SecretaryLouise Samson
    Committee memberBob Moon
    Committee memberLaura MacCoy
      Records data and checklist    Philippa Tomlinson  
  • The Aims of the Group are to:
    1. Improve knowledge of Manx fungi by encouraging recording of the fungi of the Isle of Man (Vice County 71)

    2. Encourage appreciation of the importance of fungi in ecosystem function

    3. Develop a greater understanding of fungi through forays, talks, workshops and public exhibitions

    4. Promote the conservation of fungi and restoration or appropriate management of threatened fungal habitats, including semi-natural woodland, grassland, upland and wetland.