It’s that time of year again, when the autumn woods are calling me, and this year more than ever I’ve been craving the peace they hold beneath their branches. Throughout October I’ve wandered their pathways many times, ambling along at my own pace, scouting for interesting fungi, listening to the wind in the tops of the tall trees and the song of small birds hidden in the thickets and each time I can feel the accumulated tension seep from my body, down through my boot soles and away into the damp and springy earth below.
At other times of the year these walks would take me 45 minutes or so but in autumn, with so much to see, they can easily take me a couple of hours and inevitably end with me having wet muddy knees. As always I’m stumped by the names of many of these amazing fungi but then appreciating their magical beauty doesn’t require an understanding of their taxonomy. They’re each wonderfully unique and I’m always thrilled to discover and photograph each of them as I make my way through the wood. I hope you enjoy them too and that you’re finding your own small ways to navigate these anxious times that we find ourselves in xx
These pictures were taken across many walks in October 2020 at Broxbourne Common, Cowheath wood, Danemead, Brambles wood and Broad Riding wood.
little cotton rabbits 
They’re absolutely fantastic aren’t they. I’m a huge fan of fungi, they are so utterly amazing. I’m hoping that Father Christmas might bring me that new book that’s out all about them. Brilliant photos, you’ve captured them beautifully, well worth the muddy knees! CJ xx
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Beautiful! I can feel the peacefulness from across the ocean… I love the little red ones with white polka dots! I’ve never seen them in person.
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Dear Julie thank you so much for all the lovely pictures of fungi. What a coincidence . I found a huge white toadstool in my lawn so just had to look it up and there were your lovely pictures . I felt I had been on that walk with you . The pictures are very up lifting . Thank you very much . JWx
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Wow, Julie! Amazing photographs and what a feeling of peace you’ve conjured up, thank you so much for sharing 😊xxx
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My heart goes out to you Julie, wishing you peace and many more lovely walks. Always enjoy your photos
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Estas fotos estão simplesmente maravilhosas. Amei!!!
Coisas de Feltro
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Stunning photos – as ever! I’m delighted that you get to breath in the glorious Autumn air and are able to relax and find some peace on these wonderful walks/ photo shoots. You really inspire so many of your enthusiastic fans – thank you so much !
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Super photos of amazing fungi. Thank you for sharing.
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Heaven right here on Earth
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Fabulous photos Julie!
V x
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Beautiful photos of fungi. We are heading into summer here, so hot days. My days of spending time on the beach are over but I can still knit, slowly! Near an air conditioner.
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Such beautiful composition! I felt a calm come over me as you explored the woods. Thank you for sharing these
lovely shots.
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As I live in a high mountain desert, I am always amazed at your beautiful woods. The fungi are mesmerizing. Thank you for taking us along on your rambles. Your ability to find beauty in nature is surely another of your many talents
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I can almost smell the damp autumn air, looking at your beautiful photographs
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Gorgeous pictures, Julie. Thanks so much for sharing. You certainly live in a beautiful part of the world. I try to eat a few mushrooms every day. They are a miracle food.
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You’ve transported meant a happy, peaceful place, Julie. You’re a national treasure!!! Thank you , Maire in NY
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I also love mushrooms. I used to collect them with my dad when we were kids. Nowadays i collect the artificial ones from garden centres and have displayed them on my kitchen windows with a couple of fairy houses and visitors go nuts for my home !!
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