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.

In The Cold Light of Morning

It certainly was cold on this particular morning but with the light glowing through the trees it gives this scene a warm quality that draws you in and makes you forget about the cold.

I love combination of the rich green and velvety moss, the warm brown tones of the ferns and the milky sunlight. I also love the twisted forms of the trees and fallen branches.

Woodland Gems

I have connected these three images from my New Years Day walk at Mere Sands Woods. I had gone to photograph some of the bird life there but as I walked through the woods my eye was drawn to some of the objects on the woodland floor. 

These pieces of fallen timber are all host to a myriad of other life forms, ferns, fungi, lichen and moss as well as all manner of insects and invertebrates. Each fallen log or branch is a miniature eco system in its own right. I love the richness and variety of colours and the way the light and dappled shade creates patterns on the ground. 

When we walk we often miss so much beauty around us, especially the stuff beneath our feet and so it feels good to share these pictures with you as a reminder to look down as well as up when walking in our wonderful woodlands.

In The Ancient Woodland

Over the past few days hopefully you have enjoyed my posts of woodland creatures (if you haven't seen them why not take a few minutes to have a look). The main reason though that I had got up early to go to Boilton Woods was to see the display of Bluebells. 

I was a little disappointed to begin with as I walked down the steep wooded path because there was not the expansive carpet of flowers that I had hoped to see. However as I walked further into the woodland I was treated to a fantastic display of flowers spreading up the wooded hillside. 

I have some great pictures to share and as a teaser I have decided to post this beautiful picture of an isolated group of three stems. I love the way the morning sun lights up the delicate bells and the way the blue flowers stand out against the soft green mossy log. If you like this shot (and even if you don't) please come back tomorrow to see some more from my early morning photo shoot at Boilton. 

Fabulous Woodland Fungi

Today I went for a lovely woodland walk in Brock Bottom in Lancashire. I had gone hoping to see lots of autumn colours but was slightly disappointed as there wasn't the variety of colour that I had expected. Nonetheless I had a really nice time and there were some interesting sights including squirrels, tree creepers and dippers and of course some really nice fungi.

I love fungi, the varied colours and shapes and so I can't pass up an opportunity to capture a good image whenever I come across some. Especially when it is a variety that I haven't seen before or if they are in an interesting formation. This specimen fits both criteria and I think they make a lovely picture growing together on this moss covered log.

I have tried to identify this particular fungus but so far haven't been able to so if anyone can tell me please let me know in the comments. I will keep trying to identify it but any help is always welcome.