Autumn CrocusesThe attendance on today’s trip was reduced by illness to three of our regular members and we hope that Martin, Alice and today’s intended joint leader, John, are soon recovered. The wet weather of the last few days relented again for our Tuesday outing which got off to a bright start when our intrepid driver Sue used her charm to gain free entrance for the group to the grounds of Lotherton Hall for our annual fungus foray.
Joan took on the leadership for the day, assisted by Veronica, and as she led us from the car park to the woods we were reminded that autumn is upon us when a flock of redwings flew over. Further evidence of autumn was all around with leaves beginning to turn and fruits and nuts abundant in the hedgerows whilst the stags in the deer park were looking decidedly frisky.
Dog Stinkhorn
Our foray progressed at the usual BEES pace as we discovered a wide variety of fungi in the woods, including the highlight of the day, the uncommon Dog Stinkhorn, spotted by Sue’s eagle eyes. We returned to the stable courtyard for lunch and were able to take shelter there when a very brief shower passed over. After lunch the group split up to explore the various different attractions of the site; 
Dunnocksome visiting the house, others the bird garden, the formal garden and the orchard which provided rich pickings amongst the windfalls
The wild bird count was low but we were delighted to see a few ladybirds and even one or two butterflies – a comma and an unidentified species, probably a peacock. A return to the café was on the agenda for many of the group before we departed on our uneventful journey back to Bradford, early enough to avoid any traffic hold ups. A very pleasant day at a rewarding destination; thanks to Joan for her expertise and to Sue for her driving and photography skills.
Stuart