Kent Wildlife Trust is delighted that the rare fungus has been found at its reserve.

A rare and protected fungus has been found at a nature reserve in Canterbury.

The Hericium erinaceus, or lion’s mane fungus, has the highest level of legal protection in the UK due to its scarcity. Kent Wildlife Trust said it had been spotted by a visitor.

It is illegal in the UK to collect, uproot or destroy the fungus and anyone doing so could face six months in prison or a £5,000 fine.