Rare Blue Fungus Discovered in UK Nature Reserve

0:00On March 27, a rare fungus called the Blue-Based Earth Tung has turned up in England's Kingly Vale National Nature Reserve in West Sussex, known scientifically as microglossum cyanobasis. It's the first time this tongue-shaped species has been recorded in the United Kingdom, and only the second sighting across all of Europe. An amateur fungi fan named Liz Frost spotted it back in December while poking around the ancient U-Widland there. The tiny fungus was pushing up through moss and leaf litter, distinguished by its striking blue base that gives it the name cyanobasis. Experts say earth tunds like this one, signal top-notch habitats with undisturbed, nutrient-poor soils and grasslands and woodlands. Reserve manager Rachel Guy points out how it spotlights the ecological worth of England's 224 National Nature Reserves, which face threats from farming changes and drainage. The fungus was first found in northern Spain back in 2009, and researchers stressed that

1:00underground fungal networks need strong protection to thrive. This discovery shows these reserves are delivering real biodiversity winds. Careful management of these protected spots keeps revealing surprises like this, proving their vital role in safeguarding rare species for the future.