Candlesnuff

We discovered some new mushrooms on our footpath last week - they're called candlesnuff or stag's horn fungi (Xylaria hypoxylon)

It has bioluminescent properties, the precise purpose of which is unknown! Wikipedia claims that 'All known luminescent species are white rot fungi capable of breaking down lignin, found in abundance in wood.' 

We ventured out during the darkness one evening to see if there was a way to experience the bioluminescence, but we didn't have any luck.

Signal Crayfish

The invasive American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is known to inhabit the waters of the river Cain in Wales. On our recent field trip, we came across a few as we sampled different sites.

It's an aggressive species that also carries crayfish plague, to which the endangered native species has no immunity.

River Sites

We had to climb over a few fences and stiles to reach some of the river sampling sites, some of which were difficult for the shorter volunteers (ahem, guilty) to manage. This was when I was told I had Duck's Disease! I retorted with, "are you calling me an old duck?" No, apparently its slang for describing someone with short legs, or whose 'bottom is very close to the ground.' (Urban dictionary). Huh!

We were shown how to walk in a stream with wellington boots by lifting one's feet up out of the water, instead of keeping them underwater with each step, to face the current, toes forward parallel to the flow for stability, and to use a wading staff. It helps! Access points to some sites were very slippery and skiddy on clayey banks - scary!

There were some plump sloe berries at one of the sites, but I didn't get a chance to collect any - what a pity. I've been on the lookout for some closer to home, with no luck so far.

Two country gents taking a stroll

One of our sites was accessed from a local's garden - what a pretty and tranquil garden setting.

Spectacular tree form

Roaring Fire

YAY! We did it! We're warm again.

We did some rodding and ingenious 'blowing-flour-up-the-chimney with a leaf blower' while one of us watched from outside to see if it came out of the chimney.

In the process of running in and out to check the chimney, I noticed this beautiful tableau through the window.

It's nice to have a warm room - we vegged in front of the TV for a whole evening until we were sick of watching, a new experience for us.