This week in the forest I’ve been seeing more fungi – mainly on the forest floor, and mainly on fallen branches. It’s just that time of year really…
I’ve also been watching a hornet’s nest, which is really interesting. It’s in a tree that’s right beside a footpath, and I think that most people walk past without realising that so much hornet activity is going on above their heads – it’s very busy! I often stand nearby and watch the hornets coming and going. I’ve not been right up to the tree as I prefer to give them space. If one flies past me when I’m in the forest, the sound is strong and distinctive, and it’s definitely a moment of ‘what was that buzzing past me?’. They seem to just get on with their lives, and not be too bothered about people. Saying that though, this tree is one I’ll measure in the winter when the hornets are less active. The photo on the right is of a hornet I saw last winter – the colours are so beautiful. They’re gingery and tawny, and when the sun catches their wings, they have a warm golden glow.
