Beacon Wood

Beacon Wood up in the Mendip Hills above Shepton Mallet is one of the best locations in Somerset for fungi as well as autumn colours.

Autumn Path – Beacon Hill Woods, Somerset, UK. ID 805_0339

From the entrance to the wood you know this place is special.

Beacon Hill

In the wars these woods have been used by the home guard and the British resistance.  Afterwards it was in the hands of the forestry commission.  Luckily, it was purchased by the Beacon Hill Society who through careful management have created a beautiful woodland.

Start of Autumn – Beacon Hill Woods, Somerset, UK. ID 823_5150

Fungi

The leaves are starting to fall and the damp woodland floor is gradually turning gold. Amongst these leaves you can search out fungi.

Beacon Hill Wood – Nr Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK. ID 808_1324 (Last year)

The hard bit is finding some that has not been nibbled.  It looks as if this yellow toadstool found itself placed in the middle of a slug’s dining table.

Fungi – Beacon Hill, Somerset, UK. ID JB4_8885

The prize of the day was these earth balls.

Common Earthball (Scleroderma citrinum) – Beacon Hill Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB3_8835