Shortage of mycologists

cicada · #1 (**permalink**) 27-11-2008, 08:41 AM

Hi Guys
Don't know if anyone else heard this but on Radio4 'Today' programme this a.m... they had a piece about there being a shortage of Mycologists .. many are due to retire soon and there's not enough to replace them ...
so for those thinking of looking for a job !!!? They also mentioned it's a very good year this year for fungi coz of the cold damp summer. I'm in no way qualified to comment but I'm sure some one is?

cheers
Zan

cybershot · #2 (**permalink**) 27-11-2008, 10:03 AM

Just caught the tail end of the programme but judging from my own experience and various reports nationwide and across the channel in Holland, except for a brief flush of fruiting in August and September, I would be hard pressed to endorse that view: It's been a very disappointing Autumn season here in northeast Hampshire and environs across the borders into Surrey and Berkshire.

Personally I have only last year and the fabulous 2006 season with which to compare so I too would be interested to hear from others.

David

KeenTeen17 · #3 (**permalink**) 27-11-2008, 10:03 AM

It has been a bad year for fungi - especially the ones on the ground like russulas and lactarius

cybershot · #4 (**permalink**) 27-11-2008, 10:10 AM

As for the shortage of mycologists it was Mykonik* who pointed out to Nick, a while back, that there is no longer the initiative or funding for training replacements.

David

*Nick Legon (Author of Kew's "Checklist of the British & Irish Basidiomycota")

RobSutton · #5 (**permalink**) 27-11-2008, 10:24 AM

I think there is a real shortage of people coming out of our education system who can identify anything - not just fungi but grasses, sedges, mosses, beetles, aphids, trees ...........

Modern university courses seem to have very little taxonomic content. I think there are, for example, only one or two who do botany courses anymore its all Environmental Studies, or similar, which are perhaps too broad to service the country's taxonomic requirements.

Fungalpunk · #6 (**permalink**) 27-11-2008, 10:50 AM

For me personally I think that anyone who leads a walk or has an interest in fungi and other wildlife can use their enthusiasm as a greater prompter of interest in others. If people can pick up on the pleasure one gets from such a pastime then the more people will be eventually involved and hopefully pass it on. Really that's all we can do and then hopefully can go forth and progress to a higher stage from the lighting of this initial spark.

It's about making it accessible firstly and perhaps the bombardment of scientific names and what not is overwhelming so to ease people in gently is the best route. We all start somewhere and even if out of many one or two go to the advanced level then the jobs a good un'.

Birds, butterflies and flowers have always been pretty popular but I am seeing a new interest in moths and fungi lately - the walks I have led have been fairly busy with the odd exception. It is just continuing this interest that is the hard part but like I say 'enthusiasm' is a catchy thing!

Fungalpunk Dave

FungiJohn · #7 (**permalink**) 27-11-2008, 11:02 AM

It’s a sad fact that today’s Professional Mycologists appear to be dwindling in numbers.

However I think there are many experienced ‘fungi enthusiasts’ out there who given the opportunity, time and resources could turn out to be tomorrows Mycologists!

Mycology has seen more media attention recently which is good news but I think it could do with a lot more! Unfortunately (IMO) I feel that much of the ‘attention’ has focused on edibility (and in some cases irresponsibly too!) rather than the fundamental basic importance of Fungi and Mycology.

As to what we do about the situation I’m not quite sure, but one thing is certain …. There has never been such an interest in fungi in Britain as there is right now. This can only be good for the long term.

Regarding 2008 being a good or bad year.

It all depends where you foray and how much time you spend looking!

It was excellent at Clumber Park with over 80 new species recorded.

A visit to ‘Ballintean’ in the heart of the magnificent Cairngorms National Park during the second week of November revealed well over 50 species without even looking for them!

Roll on 2009

John

Fungalpunk · #8 (**permalink**) 27-11-2008, 11:29 AM

Definitely a time aspect as to whether or not you feel the year has been successful but as mentioned Lactarius and Russula do seem to be low in numbers. I suppose it helps focus the mind on other less obvious species.

The upsurge in fungal interest does have a lot to do with the edibility aspect and it is a worry. Some people seem up for chomping on anything and I feel TV has a lot to answer for. The way to combat this is go well armed with a bag of horror stories!

Fungalpunk Dave

FungiJohn · #9 (**permalink**) 27-11-2008, 12:11 PM

More information here:

BBC NEWS | UK | Fears over fungi expert demise

John

NickCantle · #10 (**permalink**) 27-11-2008, 12:17 PM

I'm glad someone else heard this!

My Mother pointed it out to me this morning and I heard a little (though I'll listen again later) bit of it- I thought it was very interesting. Obviously as I have a massive interest in this and I'd like to somehow like to be able to contribute 'something' towards anything Mycological, it got me thinking as to how to get my foot in a door (somewhere), so to speak. Should I email someone? I really would like to be able to learn more and more and maybe in 30/40 years, fill the boots of a Mycologist.

As Nick Legon said to me, there are few opportunities in the world of Mycology,but surely someone from my generation will have to take over at some point if the interest and knowledge is to be continued long into the future. It would bring tears of joy to my eyes to think that one day in many years to come, I could make a difference and perhaps have something to do with the revival and rescue of our wonderful mycological studies here in Britain.

But am I being way too ambitious?