Ah, fly agaric, the classic fairytale toadstool. I try to photograph this species every year and although we do tend to spy a few here and there, we hardly ever find the perfect one in the perfect spot. Often they are nibbled, knocked over, decaying or look worse for wear. Sometimes they are making an attempt to rise through dense undergrowth or in a completely shaded spot. Light, as ever, is king and if they light isn't right my camera and I will have a struggle.

Here's a few recent fly agaric sightings. As always, I look but don't touch. Although these fungi are well known for their hallucinogenic properties and widespread use, I couldn't be less interested in touching any gross fungus. Nothing on earth would persuade me that something fungal ought to be ingested.  




Have you spotted the famous spotted toadstools out yet?

Oh the fairytale cuteness of the fly agaric. It's often we see a perfect one, more often that not they're either kicked over, munched or turning to soup, all of which I can respect but to see one or two intact makes me very happy. Over the last month we've seen more than the last decade combined.




We've spotted more since so we may yet be in for a further installment of fly agaric magic.
Take care,
Sophie

Many more from the forest floor. Such abundance and variety to be seen this year, long may it continue.






I did want to identify this small amount of fungus growing on a dead bough. It looks like a small hedgehog and could be the beginnings of yellow brain fungus which we spotted last year.
Whilst we were out in the woodland and I was merrily snapping away at mushrooms a chap approached who also shared an interest in the fungus growing locally. He had found a black variety of the yellow brain fungus which was intriguing. It's not often you talk slime with random people you meet.



These three were determined to get through the leafy carpet.
The aftermath. Gross.

These look downright crusty.




I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Take care,
Sophie

Hasn't there been an absolute mountain of fungi growing here there and everywhere recently? I've been both fascinated and revolted at the sights I've seen this autumn. Copious posts to come with mushrooms, toadstools and all sorts of nameless fungi galore as you probably know by now that I have long since abandoned all hope in identifying all but a select few. Picture the scene: a drab afternoon, grey cloudy sky and the decaying forest floor taking on a life of it's own with thousands of little figures appearing overnight...

 A large one. Of course, size is interesting in mushrooms. It might be featureless but it's size makes it worthy of a snap. C had spotted a large specimen and on our way elsewhere diverted to show me, knowing my appetite for such sights. We pulled the car over, I took out my phone and unceremoniously straddled the mushroom in an awkward semi-squat in heels to get a shot. The dog walker who passed by must have thought I was rather odd but helpfully paused further down the road to call back that there were some more growing along there. How thoughtful.
 A good smattering of these in a bit of a clearing.

 Scabby looking stuff on branches.





 We have a faller

 It's not just chocolate box woodland offerings here. Slimy pile of gunk? Check.

 These two look quirky.

And this last poppet makes a darling little watering station for a hedgehog.

Take care,
Sophie