Fungi could be key to keeping New Forest waterways clean

Fungi is being used to help tackle pollution in the New Forest's waterways.

Researchers working with the National Park Authority will look at how Turkey Tail fungi, so-called because of its fan-like shape, can break down organic matter and recycle its nutrients.

It's hoped it can be used to clean the forest's freshwater rivers and streams to increase their biodiversity.

This is a UK first study, costing £14,000, with funding coming from conservation charities, the New Forest Trust and Friends of the New Forest, together with Natural England.

The Freshwater Habitats Trust and the Environment Agency are also taking part to discover new ways to naturally combat water pollution.

The NPA's Head of Environment and Rural Economy Paul Walton said:

"It is all down to the fungi's unique ability to decompose anything and, from that, recycle nutrients. Because fungi have been around for an exceptionally long time, they have a remarkably diverse evolutionary history and have stored information in their DNA on how to break down and metabolise a huge array of organic matter including those which now act as pollutants.

"This power to turn large complex molecules into simpler readily available forms from which they grow their fruiting bodies can be observed everywhere, from crumbling logs in the woods to your own compost heaps at home."

The study will focus on areas with known water pollution issues for nitrogen and phosphate.

Filters are made from hessian sacks, containing woodchip and fungi sourced locally to the test sites.

Over the next year, water samples will be collected monthly and tested for nutrient pollution, with experts hoping the final scientific report will lead to further research.