Wolves Wild

Every year, pm a weekend in mid-September, there’s the annual Heritage Open Days. One participant is the National Trust, which opens its grounds and properties without the usual hefty entrance charges. Weather and other commitments permitting, we often try to look around the extensive gardens of Wightwick Manor, though I am finding it increasingly difficult to reach the most interesting areas.

This was our most interesting find of the 2026 visit. Willow emerald damselflies are evidently extending their range as an effect of climate change. First recorded in significant numbers in England as recently as 2004 (in East Anglia), they are rapidly spreading.

This one, probably a male, was resting in the sun on vegetation at the edge of the lower pond in the Wightwick Manor garden. Although it moved to find a sunnier spot, it seemed unworried by our presence. I got close enough to take pictures on a mobile phone (as well as a camera) without it taking flight.

Orange grisettes. The species is variable in colour, frequently yellow rather than orange, as in these specimens.

A blushing bracket fungus seen from below and above. The lower side is a mass of pores: the spores are dispersed from these, rather than from gills.

A cluster of honey fungus emerging from a fallen tree trunk, which had probably been brought down because the fungus had eaten away at its heart wood.

Brown birch boletes, fairly common, sturdy-looking mushrooms. They are invariably found in association with birch trees, though they may be widely spread, several yards from the tree trunks.

Growing on wood chip mulch, some bonnet mycenae.