Rare coloured fungi site in Halesowen gets special protection
A beauty spot in the Black Country has been protected for future generations due to rare brightly coloured mushrooms.
Natural England has declared The Leasowes in Halesowen as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The 63-hectare natural reserve, owned by Dudley Council, is home to 28 species of the brightly coloured waxcap mushroom – making it the fourth richest grassland in England for the fungi.
Antony Ravenscroft, senior warden for The Leasowes, said: "We are delighted that Leasowes has been granted this special status, which will protect the site for future generations.
"The bright colours of this fungi in full bloom really does make it a sight to behold, and it is one of the richest collections of its kind not just in the region, but the whole country.
"They grow in very old undisturbed grasslands which have never been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides and have never been agriculturally improved.
"There has been a ninety five per cent loss of this habitat in the British Isles since World War Two, so to have it is very good.
"Natural England has worked with Dudley Council on several of its reserves over several decades and this designation has secured another nationally important site within the borough.”
The citrine waxcap, which is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's global red data list for species under threat, was recorded at the nature reserve in 2017.
Ballerina, blackening, butter, crimson, goblet, golden, honey, meadow, intermediate, oily, scarlet, snowy, slimy and parrot waxcaps have also been spotted at the site.
Thrives
Emma Johnson, West Midlands Area Manager for Natural England, said: "It is a great example of how urban sites can hold nationally significant habitats, providing a wonderful place for both people and nature.
"The designation is a timely recognition of all the management and conservation work that has gone into the site by wardens, volunteers and community groups over many years.
"We see the designation as an important step in making sure the place is enjoyed and thrives well into the future.”
The council has also been working closely with Dr Gareth Griffith, of Aberystwyth University, who has used DNA sampling to discover additional species in the soil at the site.
