A National Treasure: Dawyck: Its Fungal Heritage: Observations and Conservation Book

This book covers the history of Dawyck, a long established formal garden in the Borders of Scotland, from the Ice Age to the present time, emphasising the plant introductions and interweaving them with the fungi to be found there. What fungi are and why we should study them is exemplified by the myco-diversity study conducted over the seventeen years at Heron Wood within Dawyck policies. The fungi associated with individual tree introductions are discussed along with those fungi found in a wide range of habitats characterising the botanic garden from mushrooms, toadstools and brackets to lichens, dung fungi, aquatic fungi and parasitic fungi. The influence of these fungi on the communities is emphasised, stressing how conservation should be encouraged and opportunities for inspiration and education offered by the mycological heritage in the garden. The book is supported by diagrams and photographs, and, for those visiting the Garden, a map with locations of possible sightings is presented.Read More