Lesser Horseshoe Bat

The bat has been using our shed for six years (to my knowledge) and generally that usage has been during the summer, perhaps for just a night or two or sometimes it seems for longer periods. It is difficult to be precise because I don't routinely check on whether it is there partly because I don't want to disturb it. I was surprised that it seemed to be there for the last six weeks or so as we have moved into and through November - I was expecting that it would have gone somewhere more protected to hibernate. However the weather has been unduly warm. The frosts of the last few days seem to have finally caused it to move and I can breathe a sigh of relief that is not simply a corpse hanging fron the shed ceiling!

Fungi Summary 2021

Overall it's been a good year for fungi here - in particular the number of new species which excitingly were augmented by an Earthongue and a Caterpillarclub at the GFG foray here on 7th November. As regards Waxcaps we ended up with 23 species which compares with 24 last year. We missed seeing Vermillion, Pale, Glistening and Orange this year. There was a great crop of Pinkgills but my id skills mean I didn't id them all. A notable new Pinkgill was the Shield Pinkgill (Entoloma clypeatum). Another new Spring species was the Spring Fieldcap (Agrocybe praecox). Also new is the Fiery Milkcap (Lactarius pyrogallus)and Beech Milkcap (although that was seen previously but not formally identified) and Agaricus Comtulus of which I saw a single example last year but which was positively identified this year. One of the best new species was the Mealy Meadowcap (Pseudotricholoma metapodium), a single example of which appeared in the South Field in September. The photo is the Mealy Meadowcap.

Butterfly Summary 2021

Not much to summarise really - a poor year for both species number and quantities. In 2020 I recorded 18 species here and this year just 14. Most species were down in numbers although there are always a lot of Meadow Browns. Perhaps more Whites both Small and Large in 2021. The one success story is the Marbled White - for the second year in a row there were masses and over a long period. They are appearing increasingly in the garden areas as well perhaps a response to me leaving more grass there longer. I cut some of the longer grass in the East Field this year but hopefully there is enough grass around and enough breeding went on to facilitate another good year for them next year. To celebrate here's another Marbled White photo.

Waxcap #22 for 2021 - Crimson Waxcap

Just a couple of fruiting bodies in the East field and late in the season as usual but the very impressive Crimson Waxcap (Hygrocybe punicea) is back.

Major new species - Trichoglossum hirsutum

I am still processing the new species found at the Gwent Fungi Group foray here last week. However the most exciting find has got an id now it - is the Earthtongue Triglossum hirsutum.It is perhaps the big wildlife surprise for 2021 - it's certainly the biggest fungal surprise. Earthtongues are restricted to long established unimproved sites and whilst the assemblage of fungi here already indicates that is the case, an Earthtongue provides another boost to the value of the fields here.

Common Puffball

A fine example of the Common Puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum) in the West Field. By far the most impressive example seen here - or indeed anywhere by me.

New Species - Fiery Milkcap (Lactarius pyrogalus)

Another result of the Gwent Fungi Group foray was this new Milkcap. It is common enough and we have plenty of the host trees (Hazel) around but I hadn't come across it here before. The 'milk' is very hot and that is one of the defining characteristics.

New Species - Scarlet Caterpillarclub

The Gwent Fungus Group foray on Saturday produced a few new fungi species including the delightful Scarlet Caterpillarclub (Cordyceps militaris). A great addition to The Beeches fungi list.

Waxcap #21 - Splendid Waxcap

A bit battered but it's definitely fruiting - what a superb fungus.