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The Candelabra Coral fungus, also known as Artomyces pyxidatus, was previously thought extinct in the UK, with no records of the fungus during the 20th century.
It was rediscovered in Suffolk in 2012 and has since been recorded in at least 10 English counties over the past five years.
This autumn marks the first time it has been seen in the New Forest, with sightings at at least six sites in recent weeks.
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Candelabra Coral in the New Forest (Image: Russell Wynn / Wild New Forest)
Professor Russell Wynn, director of Wild New Forest, said: "The sudden arrival of the Candelabra Coral in the New Forest this autumn is remarkable.
"We are already aware of at least six sites where it has been found in recent weeks.
"Given it is a relatively distinctive and identifiable species, it is unlikely that it would have been overlooked in the past.
"The arrival in the New Forest also parallels similar first appearances elsewhere in southern England, although the exact drivers are unclear."
The fungus is named for its crown-tipped, creamy white branches that resemble a candelabra.
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This is the first time the rare fungus has been sighted in the New Forest (Image: Russell Wynn / Wild New Forest)
It typically grows on decaying wood, particularly beech and silver birch logs, in damp woodland environments.
The fungus can reach up to 10cm in height.
The New Forest is known for its rich fungal diversity, hosting nearly 3,000 species -- about a quarter of the UK's total.
One of the discoveries was made by Professor Wynn at a site that is part of the Species Survival Fund (SSF) project, which is led by the New Forest National Park Authority.
The SSF is a £1.3 million collaborative project involving five partner organisations.
It aims to protect and expand habitats across the New Forest, restoring land equivalent to 350 football pitches.
So far, the project has included planting wildflower meadows, creating ponds, and restoring heathlands and woodlands.
Wild New Forest has played a key role by conducting wildlife surveys to establish a biodiversity baseline and identify priority species before habitat work begins.
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The fungus can reach up to 10cm in height, and typically grows on decaying wood. (Image: Russell Wynn / Wild New Forest)
Professor Wynn said: "These survey data are being used to inform management actions delivered through the SSF project, including removal of non-native rhododendron to restore woodland habitats, which should increase the diversity and abundance of fungi and other species.
"The New Forest National Park is a national biodiversity hotspot with an estimated 20,000 species of animal, plant and fungus.
"Fungi are an important part of the ecosystem, so we ask people to look but don't pick and leave fungi for wildlife and other people to enjoy."
Wild New Forest is one of the five organisations involved in the SSF project.
Other partners include Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Freshwater Habitats Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and the New Forest Commoners' Defence Association.