A great deal of woodwork and timber conversion has been done around the shed since it was built, and a thick layer of shavings, chips and sawdust has now built up. This,as it gradually decomposes, forms an ideal substrate for the  growth of fungal mycelia ( the underground part of a mushroom). Although the main species associated in this wood with rotting oak is the bracket fungus Trametes versicolor, it appears that larger and more impressive species also find this environment favourable to their development. These specimens were photographed near the tractor shed on Sunday 25th March, and from their shape would appear to be members of the genus Boletus  and Hygrophorus. Regrettably, their edibility is in some doubt. A passing mycologist who tried a piece of each specimen pronounced them to be 'Tough, woody, and tasting strongly of linseed oil". He also added "Yuk." We expect a further crop of these magnificent fungi next Sunday....