In theory this is the month when everything shuts down, apart from the Conservation bodies who start their cut (and often burn) campaigns. But this year it is not quite like that. There are still butterflies and dragonflies around, and I saw a twiddling pair of speckled woods and a red admiral flying in my garden today (3rd Nov). Also of course the trees are still incredibly green, and only chestnuts and horse chestnuts seem to be shedding leaves.

It seems to have been an ideal year for fungii, and I seem to have seen splendid specimens of a wide range of mushrooms and toadstools. It is a pity that there does not seem to be a local expert, as a fungal foray almost anywhere round this area would give haul of species. From my eccentric progress round the golf course, I have found several patches of parasol mushrooms, and also some very large ceps, but there my knowledge of edible fungii ends.

Events in the area, include :-

• The Friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve will be working on 25th of the month, (Fontmell Road, 10.00AM). Details from 255076.
• Dorset Conservation Volunteers will be on Hartland Moor(11th Nov) and Branksome Dene Chine (2nd Dec) - details 671435.
• Poole RSPB have a talk on Birds of Dorset - 8th Nov, Upton Community Centre 7.30, and a field trip round Upton Country Park = 10th, 10.30 AM. Next Bird Boat is 11th at 11.00 AM - Tel 748445
• The RSPB have a walk at Arne (01929 553360 for 10th), where they could see as many as 50 species.

Dudley Hull
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