Killer fungus

Led a work party today clearing scrub in old chalk pits which are a riot of Chiltern gentians in the late summer. The fungi around the trunk of this dying Goat Willow were enormous. I'm fairly sure it is Phellinus igniarus, which is parasitic on deciduous tress, especially willow, causing extensive white rot. The tree will eventually collapse, but for a while yet it will provide habitat for plenty of invertebrates and birds looking for holes to nest in.