M. J. (Michael J.) Richardson

Born in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, in 1938, Michael J. Richardson was a British mycologist and plant pathologist. He spent his professional career in Edinburgh, where he worked for the Scottish Government’s agricultural science service and retired as a Senior Principal Scientific Officer.

Richardson is especially associated with the study of coprophilous fungi — fungi that grow on dung — and is widely known for co-authoring Keys to Fungi on Dung with Roy Watling. He also worked on seed-borne diseases and remained active in mycology after retirement.

He was closely involved with the British Mycological Society, including editorial work, and was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated specialist whose research and practical guides were valuable to both professionals and enthusiastic field naturalists.