Rare fungus found at Canterbury nature reserve

The fungus is around the size of a football

A rare and protected fungus has been found at a nature reserve in Canterbury.

The Hericium erinaceus, or lion's mane fungus, has the highest level of legal protection in the UK due to its scarcity. Kent Wildlife Trust said it had been spotted by a visitor.

It is illegal in the UK to collect, uproot or destroy the fungus and anyone doing so could face six months in prison or a £5,000 fine.

Area manager Ian Rickards said: "We are delighted that our reserves are being enjoyed by wildlife lovers who are uncovering a treasure trove of biodiversity."

A Kent Wildlife Trust spokesperson said the "exquisite" example was around the size of a football.

"It will play a vital role in the woodland’s ecosystem, breaking down the wood it grows on to create nutrients for other organisms like invertebrates before perishing into the soil where plants reabsorb it," they added.

To protect it, Kent Wildlife Trust is not releasing the exact location or name of the reserve.