Chemical and sensory characterisation of fungal odours in the dune stinkhorn: Documenting environmental smellscapes for olfactory heritage

Project summary

This project will investigate the overlooked role of odour as part of cultural and environmental heritage by creating the first evidence-based description of the smell of the dune stinkhorn fungus (Phallus hadriani). Combining heritage science, analytical chemistry and creative practice, the research will identify the volatile compounds responsible for the fungus’s distinctive odour and explore how these chemical characteristics relate to human sensory perception. The project will use advanced techniques including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and sensory evaluation, alongside herbarium collections and artistic interpretation, to develop a new approach to documenting natural smellscapes.

The findings will create an openly accessible dataset linking chemical and sensory information with preserved botanical specimens held at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. By demonstrating how scientific and creative methods can work together to capture intangible heritage, the project will support new approaches to interpreting natural history collections, enhance understanding of biodiversity and sensory experience, and contribute to wider research into how environments are perceived through smell.