IFA STATUS

One site identified in the new Important Fungus Area map is Cloughey Dunes in Co.Down. This dune grassland near Newtownards is owned by the local authority and has a rich dune mycota, or fungus population, including a  priority Biodiversity Action Plan species, the olivaceous earth-tongue (Microglossum olivaceum) which has seriously declined in much of Europe, but exists here in good numbers. There are several other sites in the North that are included as IFAs.

For more on the subject go to the Plantlife site Important Fungus Area.

You can also read a fuller article on the whole subject at;
Mushroom enthusiasts put British fungus sites on the map