9/10/22-Millyford Bridge in the New Forest

We came here today for another lovely forest walk, dominated by fungi. It was brilliant to see a plethora of shrooms, of different shapes, sizes and colours, all a treat for the eyes and as well as other things a big source of inspiration for photos. I took the second and third pictures in this photoset of some mushrooms on the walk.

Four species dominated, firstly a mysterious few amethyst deceiver one of which I took the fourth picture in this photoset of quite a big one. Fast becoming one of my favourites since I saw my first only two years ago one I had hoped to see for a while before that, it was an honour to have seen these for another autumn with their distinctive purple shade. We had come here in the hope of me seeing one as my Mum saw some here in the week. Catching sight of a few fly agaric on this woodland ramble was joyful, the fairytale toadstool which it has been a true pleasure to see so much of this weekend and last. A symbol of autumn which I always feel pleased to see. Another panthercap was nice to see, and after the fly agaric and amethyst deceiver two of what are probably my three favourites we spotted the third. The enigmatic yellow stagshorn rising from the floor, a mushroom I have a great affinity with. I also managed to identify common puffball on the walk the first picture in this photoset shows some of this I believe and the fifth picture shows some distinctive ones, lovely sulphur tuft and possible porcelain fungus a great white one which I have seen before in the New Forest I believe. It was nice to see a bit of lichen and possibly a gall as well. 

It was lovely to see and hear Robin, see Blackbird, see and hear Great Tit well and see a probable Wren in the undergrowth on the walk. Grey Squirrels and New Forest ponies were key sightings on the walk with cattle seen the other side of the road at the start too. Dor beetle, wood spurge leaves and tormentil flower were nice sights on the walk too.

It was lovely to take a walk through this woody and watery habitat, with autumnal colour trickling into the landscape. Rich woodland to immersed in, with the strong sunlight and creamier moments as the sun went behind clouds a bit bringing autumnal magic to the woods. A sweet feeling. As is natural in my multi faceted interest there has been an increase in my New Forest visits in recent weeks, a month or so; and I have cherished being out in this oasis of calm at various locations ones I visit a lot and others seeing top fauna, flora, fungi and scenes. I have used the words peace and tranquil a lot to describe them and it is so wonderful to enjoy the breathing space here as I have always loved. There is a potency to that as the year shuts down in autumn I’ve always thought. I took the final five pictures in this photoset of views here today it was especially great to see reflections into the stream here too in the bright sunshine today. It was nice to speak to some great people on the walk too.

At home today I liked seeing a massive spider in the living room, sunlit pink flowers in the garden and others and yellow leaves appearing in the landscape ever more especially trees I believe are at Fleming Park visible from room and some in the garden on a plant too. There were nice sky scenes tonight with the Hunter’s full moon rising which was great to see shining through cloud and views of Goldfinch today. Another brilliant weekend, I hope you all have a good new week.