At Bramley, our passion for sustainability goes beyond the products we create, it's also about protecting the natural world that inspires them. That's why we're proud to donate 1% of sales from our full-size bath, body, and home products to Plantlife, a charity that works to protect and restore wild plants, flowers and fungi.
One of Plantlife's important initiatives is Waxcap Watch, an annual autumn campaign that calls on the public to help identify and protect Britain’s most colourful and important fungi—waxcaps. These stunning mushrooms aren’t just a feast for the eyes; they play a crucial role in identifying rare, species-rich grasslands, many of which are under threat.
Waxcaps are a unique type of grassland fungi, often found in old, undisturbed grasslands. Their presence is a key indicator of ancient meadows that have survived centuries of change. These meadows are home to a delicate balance of biodiversity, and by finding and recording waxcaps, we can pinpoint where these precious ecosystems still exist.
However, grassland fungi like waxcaps are not as well documented as other wildlife, such as birds or mammals. This is where you come in - by participating in Plantlife’s Waxcap Watch, you can help ensure these fragile habitats are preserved for future generations.
How You Can Get Involved
It’s easy to join the hunt for waxcaps, there’s no need to be an expert in fungi! Plantlife has made the process accessible to everyone across England, Scotland, and Wales. Here’s how you can take part:
- Download the App: First, download the free Survey123 app from Google Play or the Apple Store. Once installed, visit WaxcApp (arcgis.com) to launch the Waxcap Watch survey either through the app or directly in your browser.
- Find Your Grassy Spot: Waxcaps can be found in a variety of places, such as meadows and pastures, coastal grasslands on cliffs and sand dunes, heath and uplands, roadside verges and urban grasslands including lawns, parks, church yards and stately home grounds. Visit a grassy area between September and late November to increase your chances of spotting these colourful mushrooms.
- Survey the Area: Walk in a slow, zig-zag pattern, keeping an eye out for the waxcaps' distinctive shapes and vibrant colours – from vibrant violets to yellows, greens and pinks. Remember, they can be quite small, so take your time. You can find more help on identifying them here.
- Record Your Findings: Use the app to note the location, colours, and types of fungi you encounter. There’s no limit to how many surveys you can submit—the more you participate, the better we can understand the fungi in your area.
So this autumn, why not wrap up, head outdoors, and spend time in nature joining the search for waxcaps? Your participation could make all the difference in protecting these ancient meadows for future generations to enjoy.
