David

This grass seems to have kept most of its seeds from last year.

The ruins of the priory near the centre of Dudley.

This broom was growing almost at the ridge of the hill on Sedgley Beacon.

This clump of moss was growing on a tree stump, at a convenient level to look at closely and to photograph.

The top of Sedgley Beacon gives views over much of the Black Country. This is looking towards Wolverhampton.

The range of delicate colours on this leaf, remaining on the bramble from last year, were enhanced by the frosting.

There were at least three different types of tiny fungus growing out of this tree stump.

In winter, most of the colours of nature tend to be muted. A reminder of of the stronger shades which could be seen only a couple of months ago: a red admiral suns itself as it fed on an ivy flower in the middle of October.

Dudley castle, with Rowley Beacon peeking through behind, seen from a high viewpoint in the Wrens Nest Nature Reserve.

Burgeoning growth on the branches of one of the bushes separating the barley field from the railway walk in the Smestow Valley LNR.

Several different types of lichen as well as the feathery-looking moss. I think the cup-like structures on the yellow-green lichen may be to do with reproduction.