Forestry department urges care as wild mushroom season begins

Nicosia, Cyprus. The forestry department on Monday urged people to pick wild mushrooms responsibly as the season begins, warning that disturbing the forest floor can damage its ecosystem.

Avoid disturbing the forest floor

The department said rakes, shovels and other tools that disturb the ground can damage fungi and the surrounding soil. Their use is prohibited under forestry law.

Pickers should move fallen leaves and other organic material as little as possible, replace anything moved while searching and remove mushrooms without damaging the surrounding area, it said.

Collect only identifiable species

The department advised people to collect only mushrooms they can confidently identify as edible. It recommended picking mature mushrooms, which are more likely to have completed their natural cycle and released their spores.

The layer of fallen leaves, twigs and other organic matter on the forest floor retains moisture, protects soil, and provides food and habitat for insects and other organisms, the department said. It also supports future fungal growth, so unnecessary or extensive removal can disrupt the wider ecosystem.

“Protecting the forest is everyone’s responsibility,” the department said, urging the public to ensure mushroom picking does not come at the expense of the environment.