A September Sunday Morning….

On a morning like this it is certainly no chore to walk the dogs through the woods……..

The low sunshine lighting up last years leaf mould that still covers this woodland floor plus the odd leaf turning to its autumn colours it creates an odd mix of spring and autumn. But the smell of the woods is still fresh, very spring like and somehow uplifting.

Fungi are a sure sign of autumns approach but so far there is little to show except that is for these bright yellow fungi. I know them as Yellow Antler Fungi, some call them Stags Heads…. but I have no idea what their true botanical name is.

The common name really does describe the fungi but in size it is far from a majestic as a real stags horn. This one measures just over 3cm in height. They grow on the surface of dead tree trunks and start life (the bit that we can see) as nothing more than a pin head sized dot on the trunk…..

Japanese Knotweed adds colour to a dark corner. Much hated by conservationist; but I admit to having a liking for this plant. It may well spread rampantly but contrary to what we are told it is good for other wildlife, Bees in particular seem to love the pollen and Bees need all the help they can get.

A few more days like this are a welcome extension to our summer…..