University of New England mycologist Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher and colleague Roz Hart have published Australia’s first ever user-friendly guide that will help land managers use fungi to their advantage.
Fungi for Land explains how to foster fungi to sustain our plants, animals, and soil, and establishes fungi as an essential pillar of our national environmental identity.
"Ecosystems are like a massive jigsaw puzzle," says Dr McMullan-Fisher.
"We can see the image on the box, but we've been hunting for the missing pieces. Australian fungi are unique and vital for resilience; they aren't just pathogens — they do so much more than most people are aware of. They connect plants, feed animals, and even help clean our water."
The story of Fungi for Land began nine years ago when Dr McMullan-Fisher and Roz Hart were out in the field together at a weekend fungi workshop, when they lamented that a practical roadmap was missing.
Whether you are a ranger, farmer, or home gardener, Fungi for Land provides a practical toolkit of extensive research presented in clear, accessible language.
Collaborating with over 25 of Australia's top scientists, the authors have bridged the gap between high-level science and on-ground action.
"The 200-page, spiral-bound guide is built for the field," says Dr McMullan-Fisher.
"It's designed to lie flat on a potting bench or a bush log. Whether you are a ranger, farmer, or home gardener, Fungi for Land provides a practical toolkit of extensive research presented in clear, accessible language."
Fungi for Land is the essential foundation for anyone dedicated to preserving our environments, whether across vast landscapes or right in your own backyard.
The New England community is invited to attend the official book launch on Friday, 7 August 2026, 4:30–5:45 pm at the UNE Natural History Museum. Drinks and nibbles provided.
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