One of the interesting artefact types found at Star Carr were pieces of fungi. Fungi have several unique properties, one of which is the ability to catch a small spark and be used as tinder. Prior to metallic firelighters the most common way to create a spark would have been either fire by friction, wood on wood, or fire by percussion, using iron pyrite on flint. Pyrite sections were also discovered at Star Carr, increasing the likelihood that the fungi were sourced as firelighters.

​The YEAR Centre has seen a number of experiments examining how to make fire without metal. Replica fungi were sourced to test the ability for them to catch a spark. Other ways including bow and hand drills have also been tried.

​Finally, fungi could also have been used for other purposes, including food, medicine and as a haft for flint, which can be seen in the gallery.