Mega structure

You'll see some good sized Wood Ants nests around the forest, although this one was something else; no doubt built on a rotting stump it stood at maybe 1.2m or more high. A nest this substantial could accommodate up to 250,000 Formica rufa ants; the mound seethed and it's surrounds were alive with the distinctive red and black ants. Quite the sight. Almost immediately I was under siege from the colony's inhabitants, or at least under investigation. Consequently I took my shot and moved away; although not a threat, wood ants do secrete formic acid (the same acid which produces the sting from nettles) and can spit their acid several feet when pissed. What's really amazing is that there were a dozen or more nests of various sizes in closish proximity; there must be so many ants out there.

Natures larder

These uncertain times have brought the fragility of the mechanisms which support and sustain us into sharp focus. It's said that we're only nine meals from anarchy, and I think that'd be a fair assumption. Hyperbole? Maybe. Although the fabric of society is already worn thin, with derision and division common as the façade of civility slips. There are several scenarios I can envisage where a knowledge of wild food resources and where to acquire them becomes invaluable. That in mind, I try as often as possible I to utilize wild food resources when they present themselves; not only do they make a welcome addition to the pot, engaging the foraging muscle also helps to keep it sharp. Today's find, a tidy clump of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus); a common fungi found throughout the year on deciduous trees (in my experience, beech), especially after rains when you'll regularly find sprawling assemblages of them; a good edible, and one that's difficult to misidentify (never collect any wild food you're not 100% with). Until relatively recently an understanding of natures larder would have been commonplace, learnt in childhood and utilized through life, as had their ancestors into the mists of time, a lineage unbroken; not so much now though.

Rain drops keep falling

It may well be summer, although in traditional British fashion it rained for most of our walk this morning, and quite heavily at points. Throughout the stands the forest's Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) had their heads bowed in gratitude.....well, either that or in submission. 

Stinkhorn

A Common Stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus) erupts through the lush mossy carpet which covers the floor of Holidays Hill's mainly coniferous enclosure. 

Pyramidal Orchid

Either standing alone or in diffuse clusters, Pyramidal orchids (Anacamptis pyramidalis) are a common sight throughout the rough chalk grassland at this time of year. A beauty to behold.

Summer Solstice

Surely the year's wheel is turning too fast? Can it really be the midsummer already? Yes; Alban Hefin is upon us.  The Holly King maybe born and, mostly imperceivable until the equinox, the day's light will begin to decline; for now though the Sun King sits upon the thrown, surveying the flourishing landscape about him; he's at the pinnacle of his rule, his crown secure, his light shining strong; enjoy the halcyon days of summer. Solstice blessings. /|\