This Autumn has been the third mildest Autumn on record. The effect of warmer benign weather is most noticeable on trees and foliage. Having had no real frost or Autumn gales has allowed leaves to develop colour, and for them to stay attached to the trees. Hazel, Silver Birch, Beech and Maple in particular have been extremely colourful, showing strong yellows and russet brown, with the occasional red. When the leaves have fallen they have created amazing mosaics on the woodland floor.

As leaves fall, it allows light to penetrate into woodland, and on bright sunny days the bark of trees comes into focus. Silver Birch (Betulaceae) stands out, and has the brightest of barks. Birch was one of the earliest of trees to recolonise in Britain after the ice age. It is probably the most numerous of trees that has colonised the forest.

Although the most outstanding colour of Autumn is the different hues of brown, the occasional flash of the red of berries stands out. Bryony (Tamus Communis) and Holly (Aquifoliacea) berries provide the most bright red in Autumn. A particular fungi is also bright red, and is unmistakeable,  Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria) is the most easily recognised of fungi.

Another advantage of a mild Autumn has provided the perfect conditions for many types of fungi to grow. Whilst other forms of flora, ( particularly deciduous plants ) are preparing to go into rest mode, fungi are at their most active. Some fungi are still emerging as we go into Winter. Fungi are extremely difficult to identify, as their colour range is limited. Shades of white, brown or beige are the most common colour ranges. Also if you do not observe the fungi when it first emerges, it is even more difficult to identify, as the fungus will deteriorate and discolour.

Lumpy Bracket - Trametes Gibbosa

Truffel Hunting

Common Earthball - Scleroperma Citrinum - Puff Ball

Fly Agaric - Amanita Muscaria - Red Fungi

Bryony - Tamus Communis