More Magnificent Mushrooms

                    Clouded  Clitocybe                                                               

After the plate-size Parasol mushrooms (see below) another large mushroom has appeared in large numbers in the valley- the Clouded Clitocybe, Clitocybe nebularis.  Said to be common amongst leaf litter in deciduous and coniferous woods its relative scarcity in the valley is perhaps a reflection of our lack of woodland rather than anything else. The distinguishing feature is the ash grey cap which sometimes has a yellowish brown tinge and may be up to 20 cm in diameter. The group shown above form a small part of a 'fairy ring' some 30 m in diameter.   Under Edibility the book says 'best avoided as it causes gastric upsets in some people.'                                                           

Beavers.

Exciting news in the latest Dorset Wildlife Trust magazine, Dorset Wildlife, is of the intention to set up home for a pair of Beavers in the county, with plenty of space to safely study how they impact on wildlife and water.
 DWT  believe they will find the beavers improve water quality, help reduce flooding and their presence and waterway engineering will improve the area for a host of other creatures too, (*including kingfishers, water voles and dragonflies.) 
The project will enable people to get a close up view of these wonderfully charismatic animals. The trial site will be used as a place of learning, for people from all backgrounds, farmers, landowners, anglers, conversationalists, local communities and academic institutions. A significant part of the funding has been aquired, but more is needed in the shape of match funding, whereby every £1 donated may release a further £10.
Details are at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/beaverappeal
The chosen site has not been disclosed and  the South Winterborne, with its close proximity to roads, doesn't seem a likely choice, but the introduction of beavers as a means of flood control (their dams slow down the flow of water) does highlight that modern flood control methods involve slowing down the flow, not attempting to speed it up as has been  the objective in recent years in the valley.