• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Friends of Batchwood

Friends of Batchwood

St Albans

  • Home
    • About the Friends of Batchwood
  • Latest News
  • Help look after the wood
  • How to find us
  • Duke of Edinburgh Scheme Volunteering
  • The Batchwood Estate
  • Gallery
  • Show Search
Hide Search

A Pop of Colour

See the scarce Scarlet Elfcup fungus.

You can see this bright red, poppy-like fungus in our wood.

To see them follow the uphill path from the notice board nearest the entrance to Batchwood, just as the wood starts. They are on your left. See them again as you come around and down the hill before the seating circle.

As its name suggests, the scarlet elfcup is a bright red, cup-shaped fungus. It is widespread, but scarce, and can be found on fallen twigs and branches, in shady, damp places.

The scarlet elfcup displays bright red cups with short stems. It can be seen in late winter and early spring on fallen twigs and branches (often Hazel, Elm and Willow), usually buried under moss. It is reasonably widespread, but not very common. It is mostly found in damp, shady areas. (Source: wildliftrusts.org)

February 22, 2026

Footer

Copyright © 2026 · Friends of Batchwood · Site hosted by DigitalJen ·