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Fungi, the hidden gems in a winter woodland

A woodland walk in winter is a great opportunity to go behind the scenes in nature. Without the tree canopy or dense scrubby areas, our woodlands share a few hidden gems during the cooler months.

In my local woodland, the most obvious difference is that birds are easier to spot as they flit between bare branches in search of food. I’ve had some particularly good views of bullfinches and goldcrests this winter, which I can only usually hear during the summer months when they’re hidden amongst the foliage.

However, the woodland floor and trunks and branches of trees are hosting some equally eye-catching treats if you know where to look.  

A splash of winter colour

Whilst we may not think of winter as a growing season, one group of organisms continues to do well despite the cold. Unlike flowering plants, fungi are not affected by fewer hours of daylight, and cold-tolerant species continue to grow throughout the winter.

Though plant growth slows, fungi quietly continue their important role as nature’s decomposers and recyclers. Along with vibrant lichens, they also bring some welcome colour during the winter. 

Velvet Shank

Velvet Shank ©Ben Cook

A particularly colourful example is the velvet shank, also known as the ‘winter mushroom’. Found on dead or dying hardwoods such as elm, oak, and beech, this fungus produces clusters of orange caps on top of reddish brown, velvety stems. Velvet shank can survive frosty conditions, with the ability to thaw and continue growing.

A jelly ear fungus growing from the trunk of a tree. It's a wrinkled, pinkish fungus that looks remarkably like an ear

Jelly ear © Kieran Morgan

Another fungus with the ability to thaw is jelly ear. The name comes from its bizarre resemblance to an ear! This rubbery, ear-shaped fungus usually grows on elder trees, but can also be found on other tree species such as ash and beech. You’ll spot it in damp, shady spots where it often grows in clusters. Jelly ear stands out clearly against bare branches, especially after rain when it swells and glistens. 

Scarlet Elfcup

Scarlet Elfcup ©Mark Robinson

Equally striking is the scarlet elfcup. Its vivid red cups appear scattered along damp woodland floors, often near mossy fallen branches. It can be seen in late winter and early spring on fallen twigs and branches (often hazel, elm and willow), usually buried under moss. The scarlet elfcup is reasonably widespread, but not very common. 

Living on dead wood

While mushrooms often attract the most attention, winter fungi also include numerous bracket fungi and crust fungi. 

A turkey tail fungus, as seen from above

Turkey Tail (C) Les Binns

Species such as turkey tail can be seen all year round. It is a small, tough, bracket fungus that grows in tiered layers on dead wood - mainly hardwood, such as beech or oak. It is very common and can be found throughout the UK on rotting stumps and branches.

A hoof fungus growing on the trunk of a tree

Hoof fungus © Stuart McCarthy-Thompson

In my local woodland, there are some great examples of hoof fungus. While not particularly colourful, they grow quite large and are easy to spot when the branches are bare.

Fungi are not exclusive to woodland and can also be found wherever trees are growing or dead wood is present. Take a look around your local park, on roadside trees, or in your garden or favourite green space.

Winter fungi remind us of the importance of leaving some dead wood and leaf litter when we’re clearing up. They also provide us with some amazing colour and a little bit of wonder through the winter months.

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