Sandy earthtongue is a fungus which is native to the UK but can also be widely found within the northern hemisphere, particularly in Scandinavia. It is a species which is sensitive to changes within its environment and is mostly found growing alongside other similarly sensitive fungus, and the dwarf shrub Crowberry.
Because this fungus is so environmentally sensitive, the presence of Sandy earthtongue is an indication that ground conditions have most likely been relatively undisturbed over a long period of time which is really important information for conservationists!
As this fungus is so environmentally sensitive, the presence of Sandy earthtongue is an indication that ground conditions have most likely been relatively undisturbed over a long period of time which is really important information for conservationists to understand!
The Sandy earthtongue prefers acidic sandy sites such as sand dunes and is most likely to be amongst small heath species. However, it is an extremely rare species in the UK, with a small number of recorded sightings in north-east Scotland and Dorset. It has been seen on our dunes at Studland Bay.
Dynamic Dunescapes are working to return sand dunes to a natural healthy state so that sensitive species such as Sandy earthtongue are able to flourish.