Stegosaurus

Smithers and I went for a short walk after lunch, and came across a fallen branch on the verge beside Warner’s Path. We both thought it looked rather like a stegosaurus! It’s from an old holly tree which looks to be ailing – probably because it’s completely covered with thick ivy stems. (see extras) 

As we stood looking up at the tree, trying to find some leaves to identify it through all the intertwined ivy leaves, a small boy scootered up beside us and asked us what we were looking at. I showed him the branch, with its fungal ‘scales’ and showed him the photographs I’d taken. He scootered off happily, and when we came across his parents a short distance away, who were making slower progress while wheeling a pram, I told them that we’d had a nice conversation with their son. They seemed pleased, and his mother agreed that he’s always curious. How lovely.