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| Giant Funnel © Glynis Payne |
A group of 20 members set off from Furzey garden
car park on a sunny morning after torrential rain overnight. The woodland walk
was full of fungi, which were a challenge to identify without our usual fungi
experts. However Trooping Funnel, puffballs and King Alfred’s Cakes were easily
identifiable. Walking on members heard a number of Jays and saw Wood Pigeons,
Song Thrush, Nuthatch, Long-tailed Tit, Buzzard and a Goldcrest. Butchers Broom
was also noted.
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| Minstead Church © Glynis Payne |
Leaving the woodland paths we walked along the lanes
and saw Chaffinches, Carrion Crow, Robin, Blackbird and numerous House Sparrows.
There was a very active wasps’ nest in the eaves of a thatched house. As the
day heated up a couple of Red Admiral butterflies were evident, perhaps finding
nectar on Ivy now in flower, and we found Herb Robert in bloom.
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| King Alfred's Cakes © Mary Mawdsley |
We had our biscuit break in the churchyard at Minstead,
noting a 800 year old Yew tree, Conan Doyle’s grave - with pipe, and some other
interesting features.
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| Candle Snuff © Mary Mawdsley |
We meandered our way back to the car park, seeing Candle
Snuff Fungus en route.
Several members went into the gardens to see the
fairy letterbox, small post office, and plants. MM