Undermined Beeches

Tree-fetish Tuesday #31

These beech trees on the bank of an old holloway have been rather undermined by soil erosion. There is a substantial badger set in among the roots, too.

Netted Rhodotus

Monday Mushroom #37

I was very excited to find this beautiful little mushroom last weekend. It is one of those fungi that are instantly recogniseable just from having seen photos of them while leafing through mushroom books. Netted rhodotus is a specialist on rotting elm wood - it became quite common at the height of the dutch elm disease epidemic a few decades ago, but has now reverted to being pretty rare.

Rhodotus palmatus - Netted Rhodotus

Darkest Sussex

Fencepost of the Week #46

Struggling with available light here in darkest Sussex.

As Yonder Fellow Under His Ladies Shows

Wildlife Wednesday #39

These birds are on their morning commute to the rubbish tip.

Sycamores

Tree-fetish Tuesday #30

Sycamores are not my favourite tree, but they do often have shapely crowns and some pleasingly serpentine root boles.

Acer pseudoplanatus - Sycamore

Acer pseudoplanatus - Sycamore

Fly Agaric

Monday Mushroom #36

The fly agarics were out in force this weekend - always one of the most pleasing mushrooms to find.

Amanita muscaria - Fly Agaric

Amanita muscaria - Fly Agaric

Amanita muscaria - Fly Agaric

Amanita muscaria - Fly Agaric

However, they don't stay pristine for very long - the rain whashes away both the white spots and the intense scarlet colour, and slugs chew them up in short order.

Willingdon Downs

Scenic Sundays #34

The south downs escarpment on a fresh autumn evening.