Beech is a rarity in these parts so it was a pleasure to spend the morning in some of the best beechwood I've found in the county, with a little bit of sun occasionally to light it up. I spent most of the morning searching through beechmast for Beechmast Candlesnuff, Xylaria carpophila. Most of our records from Leicestershire come from late winter, so in November this colony is very immature. However, note to self - remember to look up occasionally:
