Look down.

The fungi season has started, and now every walk I look down as well as up!

Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric, is always a thrill to see, adding colour to the woodland floor.

Flycatcher.

This year has been the best year I can remember for Spotted Flycatchers in the New Forest. Almost on every walk, I see at least one. I think this year, the number of young birds that have fledged has helped boost the numbers on several occasions. I have seen family groups of at least 6

birds.

Beefsteak Fungus.

Fistulina hepatica

Another common name for this parasitic bracket is the Ox Tongue fungus. If you cut through the flesh, it does look like a slice of prime beef; however taste is said to be not as good as the appearance. They grow on broadleaved trees, especially oaks and sweet chestnuts, from late summer into autumn.