A rare, legally protected fungus resembling a lion's mane has been found at a nature reserve in Kent.

Earlier this month, a visitor reported seeing the species called Hericium Erinaceus - a fungus also known as “lion’s mane”, “tree hedgehog” and “bearded tooth” - growing on a tree at a Kent Wildlife Trust nature reserve near Canterbury.

The fungus, which is about the size of a football, will play a vital role in the woodland’s ecosystem, breaking down the wood it grows on to create nutrients for other organisms like invertebrates before perishing into the soil where plants reabsorb it.

To protect the rare find being harvested by foragers, Kent Wildlife Trust is not releasing the name of the reserve where it was found as it is a legally protected species.

It is believed to have medicinal properties which are thought to ease conditions such as dementia.

Under UK law, it has been awarded the highest level of legal protection and is one of only four species of fungi listed under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

This makes it illegal to pick this species and those caught doing so risk a £5,000 fine or six months imprisonment.

Conservationists at the charity have spoken of their delight at the find.

‘We encourage people to report them to us so we can get an even better understanding of the ecology of our reserves…’

Area manager Ian Rickards said: “This is a really interesting find, and we are delighted that our reserves are being enjoyed by wildlife lovers who are uncovering a treasure trove of biodiversity.

“We are always excited by these finds and encourage people to report them to us so we can get an even better understanding of the ecology of our reserves.”

Rare fungi has been spotted elsewhere in Kent in recent years.

Last November a sighting of the rare Candelabra Coral was found in Addington, near Maidstone, with a further sighting reported in September this year after a wildlife enthusiast found it growing in Dunkirk, near Faversham.