Autumnal Larch

Not all conifers turn woods into dark and dismal places. The European Larch, Larix decidua, is deciduous and turning a lovely colour at the moment. Add to this the beautiful bright red flowers in the spring and the importance of its seeds for birds like Siskin and Redpoll...and it's a welcome addition to mixed woods, as long as there aren't endless rows of it. Lots more leaves down today after a cold night and quite strong winds. The brightly coloured beech trees are still surpriosingly leafy, but it's only a matter of time.