Last year we removed Golden oyster from sale after it was found growing in the wild in two woodland locations in the UK.

Golden oyster is a particularly aggressive species which produces a huge number of smaller, more easily distributed spores than other mushroom species. It outcompetes other fungi in the ecosystem it is introduced into and wreaks havoc on woodlands by drastically reducing biodiversity. This happening right now in the USA, and could easily happen here if action isn’t taken.

We really applaud those of you who took decisive action to protect fungal diversity and habitat by removing this species from sale.

It was a great example of how we as a community can take action without needing external pressure or waiting on government policy to arrive.

Golden oyster has now been declared a high risk invasive by the UK government (1) and options for its control are being investigated - and could lead to a complete ban on its sale.

We, the undersigned, ask sellers to:

1. Remove this species in all formats (cultures, spawn, grow kits) from general sale.
2. Cease production of fruiting bodies.
3. Support Natural England’s efforts in gathering data on cultures in circulation and, where possible, send cultures for DNA sequencing.

If you have concerns about the commercial impacts, please reach out to us and we can offer guidance on alternative solutions.

Please join us in protecting the UK’s woodland biodiversity.

Sign the open letter

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