This autumn is throwing up a number of interesting fungi. I spotted this one, Cauliflower Fungus (sparassis crispa), yesterday. Apparently it is edible when fresh and white, but it gets tough an indigestible when it gets to this orange/yellow colour.
After the very wet October this year, 8.5 inches of rain, there are many different types of fungi sprouting all over East Meon parish. Some, like the one showing here, are difficult to identify, but then there are around 1,500 species in the UK.
With the mild and wet autumn proceeding there are a lot of fly agaric mushrooms around. These are the iconic ones that have fairies and elves sitting on them, particularly in Victorian illustrations. They are mildly poisonous and contain some psychoactive substances, so beware!
With the recent rains and the mild weather mushrooms and other fungi are becoming abundant. I found a nice picking of field mushrooms today! Please do not pick any fungi to eat unless you are sure of what you are picking.