Fly Agaric

The end of September is a good time to go in search of the fungus, Fly Agaric.  Fly Agaric is the toadstool of folklore and its bright red colour and white spots make it very distinctive. The fruiting bodies can be seen in the summer months but the best time to find them is from the end of September to mid October. Fly Agaric is poisonous and likely to cause severe stomach upset if eaten.  It is often found in pine woodlands at the base of trees because it has a nutritional association with tree roots, especially birch.

Here is a nice example I found this weekend. This a round young cap, in a couple of days it will open up to form a flat cap.

Fly Agaric

Hedgerow Berries

Today I went in search of ancient hedgerows near Winchester and I was not disappointed. Ancient hedgerows may be defined as those which were in existence from the 18^th century. They are species rich, typically having more than five woody species per 30m of their length. They are important in terms of biodiversity as well as being of cultural, historical and landscape importance. September is a great time to appreciate hedgerows as many of the trees and shrubs are laden with berries. Today I saw all my favourites including bright red hawthorn berries, the deep purple sloes of blackthorn as well as pink spindle and shiny black elder bunches. I saw wayfaring tree, privet, spindle, wild apple, rose hips, buckthorn and also field maple, yew and whitebeam trees, a very satisfying trip.

Ancient Hedgerow

Heather in September

August to September is the best time to see heather out in bloom. There are three common heather species, Cross-leaved heath, Bell heather and Ling, all of which can be found on the open heaths of the New Forest. This weekend I went to Beaulieu Heath in the Forest, which was covered in purple heather from all three species.

New Forest Ling