Fungi are living organisms, but they are not considered plant or animal. They are the recyclers of the natural world, helping to decompose dead organic matter such as logs, trees, leaves, and other organisms for food.

The many fungi in the Park are mostly out of sight unless they push up fruiting bodies in the form of a mushroom or toadstool. This they will do when conditions are suitable, most frequently after warm rain. The fruits are tiny spores which may be moved about by wind, rain, and passing feet amongst other mechanisms. Beneath the surface is the main part of the fungus, a system of roots called a mycelium which you may see as a beautiful fine white ‘tree’ if you turn over a wet piece of wood. Most trees have an intimate relationship with one or more species of fungus at the level of the finest roots.