Wonderseekers from Winchester Science Centre.
An invisible world of fabulous fungi has been uncovered by Hampshire children in one of the most comprehensive and unexpected finds ever seen by global nature intelligence provider, NatureMetrics.
Working with children for the first time ever on a pioneering process called eDNA soil sampling, NatureMetrics and the children, from the charity Wonderseekers, identified 339 species of fungi from just 10 samples.
Of these species, 39 are listed as special indicators of grassland soil health highlighting how unique and important the site is.
With fungi playing a vital role in supporting ecosystems and driving many natural processes upon which plants and animals depend, the find is crucial in driving the conservation plan for the land and helping the preservation of fungi which were identified in 2022 by DEFRA, in part due to a lack of data, as being one of the most threatened taxonomic groups in the UK.
The amazing fungi find was made by an exceptional group of ‘nature detectives’ aged between 6 and 14 years old from a Young Design Panel formed by Wonderseekers, the independent children’s charity that runs the hugely popular Winchester Science Centre.
Wonderseekers from Winchester Science Centre.
The panel is working with the Charity on a child-centred science and nature partnerships project, with this particular activity funded by the Institute for Sustainability at the University of Surrey.
The project aims to bring together children, artists, scientists and industry experts to use the natural sciences to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.
During the summer, the children met with experts from NatureMetrics and learnt all about the process of eDNA sampling, where individual species are identified through the DNA they leave behind in an environment.
Together they went out into the grasslands around the Science Centre to sample the soil. And the results, one of the most comprehensive lists of grassland indicator fungi seen by the NatureMetrics experts, showcase the important natural heritage of the site and the rarity, vulnerability and value of the chalk grassland environment.
With fungi playing an important part of soil diversity, helping with soil formation and fertility as well as ecosystem regulation, the find is even more significant.
Ben Ward, CEO of Wonderseekers, said: “We’re so thrilled that the children from our Young Design Panel were an instrumental part of this fungi discovery. Our Charity is on a mission to put children at the heart of big conversations around nature and the future of our planet, so to see them making such a huge difference is amazing.”
Dr Katie Cruickshanks, from NatureMetrics, said: "This project showcases the remarkable power of eDNA, the exceptional value of Winchester's chalk grasslands and underscoring the importance of preserving these ecosystems. Working with Wonderseekers and the children of the Young Design Panel has been truly inspiring; their enthusiasm and curiosity exemplify how science can engage and empower the next generation."
Nathalie Hinds, Director of the Institute’s Innovation and Partnerships said: “We value hands on experiences that engage young minds in understanding and preserving our natural environment. We are thrilled about the discovery of a rich biodiversity of fungi and are very much looking forward to working with Wonderseekers and the Young Design Panel more in the future.
Wonderseekers, the charity behind Winchester Science Centre has been focused on engaging young people in science since 1986. A staggering 70% of children surveyed by Save the Children are worried about the world they will inherit. Through projects and partnerships like those with the Institute for Sustainability and NatureMetrics, Wonderseekers uses science to engage children with the world in a fun and imaginative way, helping them understand and respond to these global issues. The Charity wants children to discover the wonder of science from an early age and use it to make sense of the world around them. By doing this, they’ll be equipped and empowered to make a positive change for their future and the future of the planet.
