Leaf Litter

 One of the things I love about walking in the forest is kicking my way through the leaf litter, this colourful pile was below a large beech tree. I love the rich, warm colours glistening from the recent rain.

I spotted the lichen not far away, this plant has always fascinated me with its incredible structure. Of course lichen is not really a plant but a composite organism, they have no roots and gain their nutrients via photosynthesis and they grow on bark or hang from branches as if living on thin air. 

Lichens are truly amazing, they are found in all climates and all altitudes and some can even survive inside solid rock.

I have just looked in Wikipedia and discovered that there are around 20,000 different species of lichen and a staggering 6 -8% of the earths surface is covered with lichen.

Dead Wood

 In the forest in winter it would be easy to think that everything is either dead or dormant but actually as you look around you will find an abundance of life. Everything in the forest works in harmony and even the old dead wood is home to so much new life; from the insects and grubs that feed on it and help to break it down, to the fungi and mosses that draw on its rich supply of nutrients.

Then in the rain or after a heavy rainfall the sound of water dripping from the tress and the sheen on the leaf litter adds even more to the experience.

I enjoyed my woodland walk here (this is in the Black Forest) and I will be certain to get out to a forest near me over the coming weeks so that I can draw on the energy that it gives.

Autumn Leaves

I haven't had many opportunities to get out with my camera recently so haven't had anything new to share.

This shot was taken in Delamere forest a few weeks ago. Although there were lots of leaves lying on the ground this lone leaf laying on a fallen tree seemed to stand out. I love the colours and different textures that give a real sense that autumn is now in full swing.

Unusual Rock Formations

Walking through the forest at Fontainebleau, ancient hunting ground of Francois the 1st you will come across many unusual rock formations dotted through the trees and alongside the paths. Some like the second picture have an almost animal form and this has led to speculation that they may be carvings which could date as far back as thirty million years. Personally I am not convinced of that although I do think it is a wonderful idea.
What I love though is the smooth tactile quality of the shapes and the colour of the stone contrasted against the greenery all around.  On this particular day it was slightly damp and so the stone was slippery and glistening.