Newsroom
As the wild mushroom season gets underway, the Department of Forests is urging mushroom pickers to take care when collecting fungi and avoid damaging the forest floor.
The department, part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, said responsible picking can help protect forest ecosystems and allow mushroom populations to remain part of Cyprus’ natural environment for future generations.
Pickers are advised not to use rakes, combs or similar tools. Such equipment can disturb the soil and damage fungi, while their use is prohibited under the Forests Law.
Instead, collectors should gently clear only the amount of leaf litter needed to reach a mushroom and return it to its original position afterwards. Mushrooms should also be removed carefully, without disturbing the surrounding soil or vegetation.
The department also advises people to collect only mushrooms they can identify with certainty as edible. Mature specimens are preferred, as they have had more time to complete their natural development and release their spores.
Leaf litter plays an important role in the forest ecosystem. The layer of fallen leaves, small branches and other organic material helps retain moisture, protects the soil and provides food and shelter for insects, small organisms and other forms of life. It also creates suitable conditions for fungi to develop.
Removing large amounts of leaf litter unnecessarily can interfere with these natural processes, the department said.
The message from the Forestry Department is simple: mushroom picking can be enjoyed while taking care not to harm the forest floor or the ecosystem that supports it.
