Hockley Woods (Autumn 2013)

It would seem Autumn is now underway, as the leaves begin to change colour and nature's harvest appears in the form of berries, nuts and seeds. Something else is making its presence known now too, popping up in the yet-mild and moist conditions: fungi!

A common sight in Autumn, fungi can burst through the
leaf litter to appear literally overnight!

Here are some images of Hockley Woods in Essex, a delightful place for a walk. The woodland trees include oak, hornbeam, hawthorn and sweet chestnut, and all seem to be growing and throwing down their respective seeds, berries and nuts with impressive abandon just now. These trees of the woodland, a mix of maiden and coppice, shelter the mycological interest which is very much evident now too. On a brief morning walk through the woods three weeks ago I saw a gratifying wealth of fungi, and captured some photos of them to both share here and to aid later identification!

Hockley Woods in Essex is an area of ancient woodland
which still shows the effect of Medieval management.

A "Blusher" Amanita rubescens and an "Amethyst
Deceiver" Laccaria amethystina stand side by side.

Another "Blusher" mushroom standing tall in Hockley Woods.

If this gets you excited about Autumn, perhaps you'll be pleased to hear that we have a dazzling display of colour to look forward to from the trees as they turn over the coming weeks. According to Brian Muelaner, the National Trust's ancient tree advisor,“Summer conditions have been ideal for a perfect autumn show”. If you'd like to find out more about why the weather this year has been just right for Autumn colours, the Guardian have an article here.

The Independent have also published an autumnal article, featuring the top 10 best Autumn walks of the UK. So, if you are looking for inspiration for your next walk, you can visit the article here!