Fungi – Kevin Parr

Branching Out

I was pretty good at German at school. In fact, I managed an ‘A’ – but a quarter of a century later its almost all gone – save the bare bones, swear words and smut. So when the latest edition of Am Haken magazine turned up in the post (on my birthday in fact –Continue reading “Branching Out”

The Deathcap

The source of the poison that ended the life and reign of Emperor Claudius in AD 54 is much debated. Whether through tainted food or the dealings of his double-crossing physician, what is without argument is that Claudius suffered a slow, painful death. A popular belief is that he was poisoned by a mushroom, andContinue reading “The Deathcap”

Autumn Forays

This has truly been a year of seasons. A long cold winter, sharp spring and hot dry summer. A damp, blowy autumn was inevitable. The natural world has responded well to the conformity. Trees such as elder have rarely been more berry laden and while the mushroom season was late to get going, when itContinue reading “Autumn Forays”

Lurid Boletes

Okay, so the name is a little off-putting and some people find that alcohol and Boletus luridus are not happy bed-fellows, but there is no denying the beauty of these chaps. I found these among a thin strip of beech trees beside a pine plantation and my only regret is not snapping a picture ofContinue reading “Lurid Boletes”