大象传媒

The City of London Corporation, which conserves the ancient woodland as a registered charity, said the fungi were vital to the health of the forest's one million trees.

It said the fungi play an important role in protecting the roots of trees, providing water and vital minerals.

The authority said those caught foraging faced prosecution and a criminal record.

大象传媒 Radio London's Anna O'Neill reports.

(Image: Tolga AkmenAFP via Getty Images)