Woodland Walks

Autumn is a wonderful time for woodland walks if, like me, you enjoy the browns, golds and reds of this time of year.

I never tire of walking between the trees on carpets of leaves...

Especially when there are so many wonderful colours to enjoy.

Of course Tilly is always happy to visit our local wood because there is always something new to explore.

Left to her own devices she'll lead you this way and that sniffing for signs of rodents and foxes.

Just occasionally a bird call will stop her in her tracks...

Autumn is also the peak time for collecting fungi. Always be sure you know what you're picking though.

These wood blewits are safe to eat even if they have gone a little past their best.

Is autumn just around the corner?

One swallow does not a summer make or so the old saying goes, but when they start congregating on telephone lines I can't help thinking autumn must be just around the corner.

Birds on a wire

Don't get me wrong I love the autumn, but I'm always sad to see the swallows leave. British swallows spend their winter in South Africa: they travel through western France, across the Pyrenees, down eastern Spain into Morocco and across the Sahara. Some birds take an alternative route and follow the west coast of Africa thus avoiding the rigours of the Sahara. Either way it's one hell of journey for a such small animals to make.

So with two weeks of August still left in the calendar and the swallows already congregating, does this mean autumn will come early this year?

Autumn has arrived quickly

Funny old thing the British weather, it gives endless topics for us Brits to discuss and here I go with yet another. We are currently enjoying a bit of an Indian Summer just now, which is great... luvs a bit of sunshine me. Be that as it may though Mother Nature is busy reminding us that the year is ticking on and the Autumn fruits are starting to show in abundance.

Puff Balls

These little puff balls grow, ripen and spawn all in a matter of hours. They are edible, but you have to catch them early or you'll find they are past their best. Interesting little things to look at though especially in their various stages like this group here.