Aren’t these a lovely colour – they caught my eye in the drab woodlands at Calke Abbey last week. They are Velvet Shank fungus. They look like they are blocks of flats for the busy insects of the detritus world. I should imagine that there are a lot of microscopic organisms in amongst these fungi, all munching on this rotten branch. The name ‘Velvet Shank’ refers to the soft, silky ‘stem’. Apparently these are edible, but must be cooked first and don’t eat the skin (too tough) and I’m not an expert and these things are so easy to get (tragically) wrong – so be sure that you’re sure before you try them. 

I was having one of those days when work just wasn’t happening. I’ve taken my tablet and notebook to Calke a few times recently when I have to do those really dull jobs that come with being self-employed, you know – the stuff you have to think about but didn’t think you’d signed up for! It usually helps to get away from my office to the change of scene but this time even the lovely Calke surroundings and coffee wasn’t working for me – so I went for a long walk.  

Actually it wasn’t a long walk at all, it was a 30mins circuit, but it took me 2.5hrs. Instead of making myself ‘get fresh air’ and back to work, I stopped to look at tree details, plants, watch the wild deer (they were on the wrong side of the deer fence, sika deer I think, haven’t seen them before), take photos, pause, think and appreciate the an 800 year old oak tree. At the end of it I still didn’t feel like work but I felt a lot better and less worried about work. 

By the way, I feel that I should let you know that I’m not paid to go to Calke Abbey, or any other National Trust place! I just like going and, on the whole, I like what they do.