Following the news today of a woman found dead on the Island, of which police are investigating, 

The Isle of Wight Council would like to pass on its condolences to the family of those affected by this tragic incident.

It appears a large quantity of wild mushrooms including the toxic death cap mushroom - were collected from the vicinity of Ventnor Botanic Garden earlier this week and subsequently eaten.

The death cap mushroom is not cultivated by Ventnor Botanic Garden – no mushrooms or fungi form part of displays – but is believed to have been growing wild in the 22-acre site. Death cap mushrooms are a common species found all over the Island and the UK.

The council would therefore like to reiterate advice that wild mushrooms or plants should not be eaten unless you are absolutely sure it is safe to do so. This advice is particularly pertinent at the current time because the wet weather conditions have provided perfect growing conditions for all kinds of mushroom and fungi.

To help with police investigations, Ventnor Botanic Garden was temporarily closed but has since been re-opened to the public.