Japanese Maple

The older parts of Stamford Cemetery have areas of very good quality species-rich limestone grassland, and I wondered whether, like many churchyards, they would have a good fungus flora. 

I had a gentle autumnal stroll round and found a few species, but nothing overwhelming. It didn't help that about half of the most species-rich grassland had been very recently mown. However, one consolation was confirming that the population of Earthstars found last year under a large Cedar-of-Lebanon is still thriving. Two species are present,  Striated Earthstar and the very rare Field Earthstar (see extra).

Finally, the autumn colour seems to be approaching its zenith, so I spent a bit of time recording the trees present in the cemetery. Some of the less common planted species are easier to pick out as the leaves change colour. The undoubted star was this very graceful Japanese Maple near the entrance.

On the way home I stopped off briefly at Easton Hornstocks where the Beech trees were making quite an impact (see extra).