Velvet Shank Toadstool

On 17/01/2010 I found this toadstool growing on a rotting branch near a stream. It is probably a velvet shank, but I have no experience in identification. Velvet shank is edible but there are poisonous toadstools that look similar

Ridgeway Beech Toadstool

We found this toadstool during a walk in a small beech wood near the Ridgeway Trail in South Oxfordshire.

It was growing in a niche in a beech tree. The dark patch is rainwater overflowing from the crevice.

The image brought to mind a font overflowing or a shrine from ancient times.

A Walk in Beech Woods

I walked today in beech woods near the

Ridgeway Ancient Path in South Oxfordshire with family.

The weather was cold and dank, the sort that chills.

We noticed what looked liked birds flying in circles in an

adjacent field.

Then we heard shots. The circling birds were some sort of

decoy. There was a shoot taking place in neighboring fields.

I don't like to see pheasant being shot, one lucky pheasant

flew over our heads to safety. The shooters were firing in

our direction so we left.

There are some interesting fungi growing in the wood, must remember the camera next time.