Record mushroom sightings predicted this autumn

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has predicted record sightings of mushrooms and toadstools across the UK this autumn.

The organisation said inquiries sent to its advice team from members of the public who have spotted species of fungi in gardens and green spaces could exceed last year's record.

Early sightings at RHS Wisley in Surrey of large rooting boletes and giant funnel mushrooms suggest that the season could be abundant for many species.

The RHS said prolonged hot weather and drought followed by a wet autumn had provided ideal conditions for fungi to flourish.

Following the drought in 2025, the team saw a 43% increase in garden fungi inquiries compared to the previous year.

After record temperatures and prolonged drought conditions this year, the RHS said it expects an "even greater abundance of fungi" provided there is sufficient rainfall through the autumn.

RHS senior plant pathologist, Jassy Drakulic, said: "Gardeners may notice a remarkable variety of mushrooms and toadstools appearing in lawns, borders and around trees this autumn.

"While gardeners sometimes worry at the sight of mushrooms, the presence of fungi is mostly a sign of a healthy ecosystem."

Drakulic explained: "These fruiting bodies are just the visible part of extensive fungal networks beneath the ground or within wood, where they play vital roles in recycling organic matter, supporting plant health and helping nutrients move through the ecosystem."

To encourage beneficial fungi species, RHS experts say gardeners should mulch regularly with organic matter, keep some dead wood in the garden, leave autumn leaves where they fall, and let soil fungi establish naturally.

Additional reporting by PA Media.