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David

Signs of Autumn – Birch bolete

Signs of Autumn - Birch bolete

From the same visit to Wightwick Manor gardens as the previous post. This mushroom is, as its name implies, associated with birch trees, as are several other fungi. Perhaps it is a harbinger of the fungi flush, the autumn period which marks peak visibility.

Signs of Autumn - Birch bolete

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David

Signs of autumn – leaves turning

Signs of autumn - leaves turning

Last weekend was Heritage Open Day, and the chance to see the garden at Wightwick Manor without the usual entrance charge. Pictured here are some of the trees whose leaves were beginning to take on autumnal colours.

Signs of autumn - leaves turning

Signs of autumn - leaves turning

Signs of autumn - leaves turning

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David

Himalayan balsam blossom

Himalayan balsam blossom

As the name implies, this is an introduced species. It’s very common along the local canals – these particular plants were growing at the edge of the lowest pool by Bratch locks in Wombourne.

Himalayan balsam blossom

Himalayan balsam blossom

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David

Knight in armour

Knight in armour

An imaginative floral decoration in the Castle Grounds Park, Tamworth, placed to guard the start of the path up to the castle itself.

Knight in armour

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David

Comma butterfly from below

Comma butterfly lower wing

This comma was resting high up on an ivy. So it was giving a fairly clear view of its underwing, including the pale comma which gives the species its name.

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David

Follies of Shugborough Park: Triumphal Arch

Triumphal Arch, Shugborough Park

The arch is on a gentle hill at the highest point in the park. It is modelled on the Arch of Hadrian (Athens, not Rome).

Triumphal Arch, Shugborough Park