Towards South Lodge
Just as the grounds give way to open fields, alive with flocks of ducks when I was there last, take a left turn north towards South Lodge. Cross the stream, where you may see the Shaggy Ink-cap, and admire a field of sheep. The metalled surface stops and there is a grassy section past a residence before a track used by cars takes up the route again.
There is a short-cut to the left but you may miss a few treats if you take it. Just ahead has been found Sulphur Knight-cap, egg-yellow all over with a curious smell said to be reminiscent of coal-tar.

At the next footpath junction we can start the return journey. Here is a lot of Tutsan - a relative of Rose of Sharon in the Hypericum genus. The path take us down through a dense coniferous plantation, lifeless and depressing but for the variety of fungi that can be found in the gloom. I have particularly noticed Stinkhorn here at all times of the year, in all stages from egg to the fully-formed, often smelling it before seeing it.

As the conifers give way to hazel and oak there is a fair-sized pond on the right, now almost hidden behind dense undergrowth.

Tricholoma sulphureum - 7 October 2000 - Woods at South Lodge

In the spring there is a fine display of wild daffodil around here, particularly in the vicinity of the electricity pylon. Venture off the path to the right to a massive fallen beech and you will see the  disgusting remains of Giant Polypore.         next