A Honey Fungus Discovery

A Honey Fungus Discovery

A Honey Fungus Discovery
21 January 2025

Our Arboriculture team has been out and about in East Cheshire conducting a BS5837 tree survey as part of improvement works on public infrastructure. During the survey, the surveyor noticed a distinctive mushroom smell, a tell-tale sign of honey fungus ( Armillaria ) a parasitic fungus that can affect a broad range of woody and perennial plants. On closer inspection of trees in the area, we found distinctive “bootlace” Armillaria rhizomorphs covering the internal bark of several trees and decaying wood on the woodland floor.

Many of the trees were in decline or already dead, with one particularly large common beech tree having succumbed to advanced decay, and also had several fruiting bodies of bracket fungus ( Ganoderma sp.). This recently deceased tree had left a significant gap in the canopy, giving some indication of how large this tree would have been in its prime.

While the woodland is private and not accessible to the public, the large decaying trees and fallen wood pose little risk and can be left to contribute to the natural cycle of growth and decay, adding vital nutrients to the soil and supporting biodiversity.

Although a pathogenic fungus, Armillaria is a native species that forms part of this cycle within woodland. Our recommendations included selective removal work where necessary.

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This year marks the 10th anniversary of Future Gardeners, Routes into Horticulture and the Natural Environment, an award-winning programme dedicated to helping people access careers in horticulture and the wider green sector. To celebrate this milestone, TEP's Tom Young joined partners, supporters and alumni at the 10 year anniversary event in London to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work it has delivered over the past decade. Established by Bankside Open Spaces Trust and the Worshipful Company of Gardeners in 2016, the programme was designed to open doors into horticulture and the natural environment through practical training, hands-on work experience and valuable industry connections. Over the last 10 years, it has empowered countless participants to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to launch their careers. Today, with more than 80% progressing into further training, apprenticeships or employment, the programme is helping to shape the next generation of horticultural and environmental professionals. Future Gardeners combines hands-on learning with work placements across parks, gardens and green spaces throughout London, giving participants valuable real-world experience alongside accredited training, including City & Guilds qualifications. By covering costs such as travel and equipment, the programme helps remove barriers that can prevent people from accessing opportunities within the sector. 
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This year marks the 10th anniversary of Future Gardeners, Routes into Horticulture and the Natural Environment, an award-winning programme dedicated to helping people access careers in horticulture and the wider green sector. To celebrate this milestone, TEP's Tom Young joined partners, supporters and alumni at the 10 year anniversary event in London to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work it has delivered over the past decade. Established by Bankside Open Spaces Trust and the Worshipful Company of Gardeners in 2016, the programme was designed to open doors into horticulture and the natural environment through practical training, hands-on work experience and valuable industry connections. Over the last 10 years, it has empowered countless participants to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to launch their careers. Today, with more than 80% progressing into further training, apprenticeships or employment, the programme is helping to shape the next generation of horticultural and environmental professionals. Future Gardeners combines hands-on learning with work placements across parks, gardens and green spaces throughout London, giving participants valuable real-world experience alongside accredited training, including City & Guilds qualifications. By covering costs such as travel and equipment, the programme helps remove barriers that can prevent people from accessing opportunities within the sector. 
29 July 2026
Our Historic Environment and Archaeology team has helped uncover a remarkable chapter of Preston's industrial heritage.
31 July 2026
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Future Gardeners, Routes into Horticulture and the Natural Environment, an award-winning programme dedicated to helping people access careers in horticulture and the wider green sector. To celebrate this milestone, TEP's Tom Young joined partners, supporters and alumni at the 10 year anniversary event in London to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work it has delivered over the past decade. Established by Bankside Open Spaces Trust and the Worshipful Company of Gardeners in 2016, the programme was designed to open doors into horticulture and the natural environment through practical training, hands-on work experience and valuable industry connections. Over the last 10 years, it has empowered countless participants to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to launch their careers. Today, with more than 80% progressing into further training, apprenticeships or employment, the programme is helping to shape the next generation of horticultural and environmental professionals. Future Gardeners combines hands-on learning with work placements across parks, gardens and green spaces throughout London, giving participants valuable real-world experience alongside accredited training, including City & Guilds qualifications. By covering costs such as travel and equipment, the programme helps remove barriers that can prevent people from accessing opportunities within the sector. 
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Our Historic Environment and Archaeology team has helped uncover a remarkable chapter of Preston's industrial heritage.
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Well known Invasive-Non-Native Species (INNS) are widely understood, however the threat of new and emerging INNS across the UK is real.