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The RHS is predicting record numbers of mushrooms in British gardens this autumn after this summer's historic drought

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.

The Royal Horticultural Society is forecasting an exceptional fungi flush this autumn, with species including fly agaric and giant puffballs expected after the UK's hottest summer on record.
The Royal Horticultural Society is forecasting an exceptional fungi flush this autumn, with species including fly agaric and giant puffballs expected after the UK's hottest summer on record.

The Royal Horticultural Society is forecasting a bumper season for fungi across UK gardens and green spaces, with public inquiries expected to exceed last year's record total. This summer was the hottest on record in the UK, and the combination of prolonged drought followed by wet autumn weather has created ideal conditions for mushrooms to flourish. Early sightings at RHS Wisley in Surrey already include species such as rooting boletes and giant funnel mushrooms, while fly agaric, giant puffballs and upright coral are also expected to appear in gardens this season.

Fungi inquiries to the RHS surged 43% after the 2025 drought — 2026's worse heat means an even bigger spike is expected.

RHS senior plant pathologist Jassy Drakulic says mushrooms are 'mostly a sign of a healthy ecosystem', not cause for alarm.

Gardeners can encourage fungi by mulching, leaving dead wood in place and letting autumn leaves lie where they fall.

Moremagzter.comRHS predicting record sightings of autumn fungi | Cambridge News - newspaper - MagzterBBC News - EnglandRecord mushroom sightings predicted this autumn says RHSThe TelegraphGardeners to see record number of mushrooms after heatwaves, says RHSFacebookThe Royal Horticultural Society has predicted record sightings of mushrooms and toadstools across the UK this autumn after some were spotted in Wisley. More here: https://bbc.in/4el5HEC - Facebook
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