countryside · in the woods · wildlife

October and it’s toadstool time

Julie (little Cotton Rabbits)

Autumn has continued drifting in on the breeze here, bring subtle shifts to the colour balance of the countryside. Many trees are now resplendent with rich gold and red leaves, some are yet to peak in beauty, and some trees still have leaves that are a very tired shade of green. Every week there is a noticeable change in the scenery on our walks and once again many of our familiar paths are already obscured by fallen leaves.  The weather has turned cooler and damp with frequent rain, a welcome shift to more recognisably English weather and the perfect conditions for toadstool spotting, as they really need a little rain to be at their best. For the rest of the month there will be different kinds of toadstools popping up and I look forward to seeing new things emerging on our walks each week.

There is a wonderful aroma that emanates from a damp autumn wood, a mingling of the smells of rich earth, of gently decaying leaves and of the scent from toadstools. Some toadstools do actually smell quite distinctly, in particular Clitocybe odora, commonly known as the blue green anise mushroom (pictured just above), there have been a lot of these this year; Tricholoma saponaceum, also known as the soap-scented toadstool or soapy knight; and the aptly named stink horn, not one that you would choose seek out for obvious reasons.

Thank you so much for all of the kind messages to Amy, things are still quite difficult for her, but she has started a journey now that will hopefully lead her to a happier and more settled place through some support and therapy.

Well that’s all from me today, words are eluding me a little at the moment and I need a little more woodland medicine to find the flow of them again. I hope to be back later in the month as the photogenic season of autumn continues to settle over the woods and countryside,

Look after yourself and those that you love, I hope you can hug them every day, J x

14 thoughts on “October and it’s toadstool time”

  1. Julie – I love reading your posts! Your commentary if a perfect compliment to your photos! You have such a discerning eye when taking photos. It is such a joy to read your postings. Wishing you and your family peace and joy.

    Like

    Reply

  2. I always look forward to you fungi photos. They’re hard to find where I live in the dry desert Mountains. Toby looks cozy and bundled up for your fall weather. Best to Amy as she starts along this road to better health. Here’s hoping for some cozy days of knitting and wonderful long walks. Best, Bonnie

    Like

    Reply

  3. Thank you for your lovely photos,and your writings help to enjoy for us.Wishing you a happy woodland winter love Joy x

    Like

    Reply

  4. I always enjoy photos of your woodland walks and wonderful descriptions of your findings in your lovely place in the world.
    Best wishes to your daughter Amy on her journey to better health and happiness.<3
    Warm regards, Susan from NJ

    Like

    Reply

  5. Dear Julie, Just had to thank you for this beautiful email. If words were eluding you, you certainly fooled me! I could almost smell the scent of the damp woods as I read. May the beautiful creation around you continue to bring you joy. Best wishes Suki ❤️

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Like

    Reply

  8. Julie I always look forward to your blogs and save a quiet time just to read them as they take me to where you have taken your wonderful pictures.
    I’m glad Amy is doing ok – maybe she and you could walk, take photos and get those lovely autumn wellbeing vibes. Take care look forward to next time . Tracy xxx

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Julie Cancel reply