Autumn on the way

The 'season of mellow fruitfulness' is creeping up on us and some fine fungi are beginning to appear. These were photographed at Auckland Park in Bishop Auckland today.

Giant polypore Meripilus giganteus on an old tree stump. Two more photos below.

Chicken-of-the-woods Laetiporus sulphureus on an ancient sweet chestnut.

A second specimen of chicken-of-the-woods on the same tree.

I think this, high up on a white poplar stump, might also be chicken-of-the woods, but it was quite withered. Wish I'd seen it in its prime.

Beefsteak fungus Fistulina hepatica on an ancient sweet chestnut