New Forest

Yesterday my brother was visiting my parents so the four of us decided to go for a day out into the New Forest - I was actually born in the New Forest - no - not actually under a bush - in the 'capital' of the New Forest - Lyndhurst, so the place as a strong pull on my heart.

It was a glorious day. My brother found lots of these..... (for his dinner) - it is quite safe my family have been collecting edible mushrooms for many years, but he definitely will not be eating this one - isn't it cute? We were visited by this .... and several of these.... whilst we were trying to have lunch. I spent the afternoon taking pictures of things like this.... and this.... It was amazing to see a patch of these beautiful dung beetles (no dung in sight). They look black from above but are a beautiful iridescent blue/purple. How's this for a close up... He was walking along the moss towards my camera.

A most enjoyable day.