There is a very high risk of wildfire in the eastern Highlands, eastern and southern Scotland from today (12 August) until Thursday, 13 August.

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Nature’s Category 1 responders already in Glenmore

In the aftermath of the Glenmore wildfire, foresters have already begun to see signs of recovery with the discovery of a fungus that thrives on fire sites.

Pyrophilous (fire loving) fungi are amongst the first colonisers of burnt ground. There are several species that welcome this environment with only their often brightly coloured fruiting bodies showing above ground.

Dave Clarke, FLS’ Senior Programme Manager, who first spotted the fungi, said;

“In the aftermath of any fire people always have concerns about wildlife and habitat recovery, often looking to spot the first green shoots.

“But before that stage, these charcoal loving fungi get to work and prepare the way by gradually creating the sorts of conditions and nutrient that will accommodate plants and grasses. And some grasses are already beginning to re-appear.

“They’re nature’s own Category 1 responders when it comes to wildfire recovery.” 

Research suggests that some of these fungal species are ever-present in soil, might even ‘parachute in’ from unburned areas or be present in plants but only become visible when they spring in to action after a fire.

The functions they serve are the subject of ongoing, intensive research but it is thought that some fungi break down carbon, others prevent soil erosion or prevent further leaching of nutrients.

Different fungi also seem to appear at different stages of recovery, with one type taking over where a previous type left off until plants and grasses can begin to move in.

Notes to editors

  1. This article draws upon the reporting of JSTOR Daily - The Vital Near-Magic of Fire-Eating Fungi - JSTOR Daily
  2. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
  3. Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot