Why are there so many mushrooms around this year?
The RHS says the hot, dry summer followed by autumn rain could lead to record sightings.
Autumn in the UK could see record levels of mushroom sightings, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The organisation attributes this surge to drought followed by wetter conditions in autumn, which can help certain species thrive. Lancashire forager Colin Unsworth has observed some mushrooms appearing in bumper numbers, though others have been harder to find.
The fly agaric, with its distinctive red and white spots, and blushers have been found in good quantities, while porcini mushrooms, also known as penny buns or ceps, have been less prevalent. Unsworth warns that some poisonous species can closely resemble edible varieties, so caution is advised before consuming wild mushrooms. The RHS recorded a 43% increase in inquiries about garden fungi following the 2025 drought, compared to the previous year.
For gardeners, autumn is a remarkable time to observe a variety of mushrooms and toadstools in lawns, borders, and around trees. Understanding mushrooms can provide insights into the health of the ecosystem and the landscape.
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