Scarlet elf cap

I've been walking past this fungus at the park for ages and finally got round to taking a picture of it today. It is, I believe, a scarlet elf cap (Sarcoscypha austriaca), also known as fairies' baths. It is believed in folklore that wood elves drink morning dew from the cups and that it has healing properties. In some cultures it is placed under bandages to stop bleeding and placed on newborn babies' navels to promote healing.

In other news, the plumber is coming to have a look at the soakaway situation shortly...it would be nice if the work could be done before the next load of heavy rain, which looks like it'll be with us at the weekend.