Nature
When it comes to the natural world I feel excited to see what it has in store. Whether it's walking through a forest and being presented with wild mushrooms or hiking along a coastline and finding a secluded lagoon. I'm constantly surprised and intrigued at the beauty, and confounded at how inspiring it can be.
Fungi
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Shank 1
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A cluster of velvet shank mushrooms in Rosalind forest outside of Edinburgh. A delicious edible mushroom feeling the effects of the first heavy snow of 2020.
A cluster of velvet shank mushrooms in Rosalind forest outside of Edinburgh. A delicious edible mushroom feeling the effects of the first heavy snow of 2020.
Sleeping
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This is some sort of bracket fungi that I found growing in a lackadaisical manner on a fallen tree trunk on the Island of Mull.
This is some sort of bracket fungi that I found growing in a lackadaisical manner on a fallen tree trunk on the Island of Mull.
Lichen
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Lichen growing ferociously healthy on a tree on the Island of Kerrera Scotland. I could hardly make out the leaves.
Lichen growing ferociously healthy on a tree on the Island of Kerrera Scotland. I could hardly make out the leaves.
Fungi
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Another type of bracket fungi growing in the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. I came across this wonderful fungus on a walk down Edinburgh famous waters of leith.
Another type of bracket fungi growing in the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. I came across this wonderful fungus on a walk down Edinburgh famous waters of leith.
Fungi Flood
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A large group of bracket fungi that made the crumbling tree stump feel as if it was brimming with life.
A large group of bracket fungi that made the crumbling tree stump feel as if it was brimming with life.
Push through
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While river hiking in Portugal I stumbled across this little patch of mustard coloured fungi brazenly pushing the surrounding soil aside to unfurl its fruiting body.
While river hiking in Portugal I stumbled across this little patch of mustard coloured fungi brazenly pushing the surrounding soil aside to unfurl its fruiting body.
Shank 2
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I was quite enamored by these velvet shanks. One picture quickly turned into an hour of pics that had some lovely results.
I was quite enamored by these velvet shanks. One picture quickly turned into an hour of pics that had some lovely results.
Macro
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With fungi I find that the closer you are the better. I wanted a shot that was both calming, but also shows a different aspect of nature we often never see, one from the ground up.
With fungi I find that the closer you are the better. I wanted a shot that was both calming, but also shows a different aspect of nature we often never see, one from the ground up.
Coral
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One of my proudest finds, a coral fungi in all it's glory. A visually impressive fungus that show how nature finds similar paths through different environments.
One of my proudest finds, a coral fungi in all it's glory. A visually impressive fungus that show how nature finds similar paths through different environments.
Red
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British Soldier Lichen, Cladonia cristatella. it's called this because of it's odd history. It was named for the red uniforms of the British soldiers during the Revolutionary War
British Soldier Lichen, Cladonia cristatella. it's called this because of it's odd history. It was named for the red uniforms of the British soldiers during the Revolutionary War
Tiny
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A tiny orange capped mushroom roughly 1cm in height on the forrest floor in Nikko Japan. Fungi can be huge and impressive or small and dainty. One of the reasons I find it fascinating.
A tiny orange capped mushroom roughly 1cm in height on the forrest floor in Nikko Japan. Fungi can be huge and impressive or small and dainty. One of the reasons I find it fascinating.
Like wood
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Another bracket fungi with a lovely texture and growing rings. This type of fungi is extremely hard and can weather most conditions.
Another bracket fungi with a lovely texture and growing rings. This type of fungi is extremely hard and can weather most conditions.
Lace
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Some of the most delicate, curious, and simply amazing lichen I have ever seen. These Coral lichen (Cladia retipora) were found on a hike in the breathtaking forests in Tasmania.
Some of the most delicate, curious, and simply amazing lichen I have ever seen. These Coral lichen (Cladia retipora) were found on a hike in the breathtaking forests in Tasmania.
Spikey Lichen
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"Lichens are a complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. The dominant partner is the fungus, which gives the lichen the majority of its characteristics, from its thallus shape to its fruiting bodies. The alga can be either a green alga or a blue-green alga, otherwise known as cyanobacteria. Many lichens will have both types of algae." - From- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/lichens/about.shtml
"Lichens are a complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. The dominant partner is the fungus, which gives the lichen the majority of its characteristics, from its thallus shape to its fruiting bodies. The alga can be either a green alga or a blue-green alga, otherwise known as cyanobacteria. Many lichens will have both types of algae." - From- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/lichens/about.shtml
Red Jewels
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Some pinky red bracket fungi grabbed my eye in Tasmania as I was appreciating all the different greens in the rich forest there.
Some pinky red bracket fungi grabbed my eye in Tasmania as I was appreciating all the different greens in the rich forest there.
Teeny Tiny
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More miniscule mushrooms growing through a bed of moss in the pristine forest in Nikko Japan.
More miniscule mushrooms growing through a bed of moss in the pristine forest in Nikko Japan.
Alien
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The first time I spotted this lichen I honestly thought it was some sort of horrible infection or escaped alien creature from a sci-fi movie. Nature astounds me consistently.
I think it may be Stereocaulon ramulosum, but am unsure.
The first time I spotted this lichen I honestly thought it was some sort of horrible infection or escaped alien creature from a sci-fi movie. Nature astounds me consistently.
I think it may be Stereocaulon ramulosum, but am unsure.
Far Fungi
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I spend a lot of time looking at the ground or low down trying to find fantastic fungi. I forget to look up sometimes, I wonder what I've missed.
I spend a lot of time looking at the ground or low down trying to find fantastic fungi. I forget to look up sometimes, I wonder what I've missed.
Orange Jewels
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A gloriously wet looking fungi in a forest in Australia that my partner pointed out to me. Fungi can come in almost any size shape and texture, truly amazing.
A gloriously wet looking fungi in a forest in Australia that my partner pointed out to me. Fungi can come in almost any size shape and texture, truly amazing.
Dryad
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Dryad's Saddle, Scaly Polypore, Pheasants Back are some of the names for this edible fungi. I found this cluster on a hike on the west coast of Scotland in Oban.
Dryad's Saddle, Scaly Polypore, Pheasants Back are some of the names for this edible fungi. I found this cluster on a hike on the west coast of Scotland in Oban.
Shavings
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Ok, this pic is more focused on the great shapes the bark had made, but there's still lichen growing on it so it counts!
Ok, this pic is more focused on the great shapes the bark had made, but there's still lichen growing on it so it counts!
Water
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Calming
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Water lilies on the lake surrounding the heart of Ankor Wat in Cambodia, apart for the stunning and ancient world heritage site, the wildlife there is superb.
Water lilies on the lake surrounding the heart of Ankor Wat in Cambodia, apart for the stunning and ancient world heritage site, the wildlife there is superb.
Rock Pool
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A small rock pool with perfectly growing seaweed , almost as if it was designed to be this picturesque.
A small rock pool with perfectly growing seaweed , almost as if it was designed to be this picturesque.
Cooling
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Simply the most pristine and untouched beach I have ever had the pleasure to visit. So perfect in fact, I felt as I should not of been there.
Simply the most pristine and untouched beach I have ever had the pleasure to visit. So perfect in fact, I felt as I should not of been there.
Seaweed
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A wee rock bustling with a clump of healthy seaweed in Oban, Scotland.
A wee rock bustling with a clump of healthy seaweed in Oban, Scotland.
Land and Sea
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A simple shot that is not my computer's desktop. I saw the shot in my minds eye as I passed it and rushed back to take the shot.
A simple shot that is not my computer's desktop. I saw the shot in my minds eye as I passed it and rushed back to take the shot.
Thoughts
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I used to see small pictures and drawings on my grandparents walls along with illustrations in old Scottish books, of sights such as this. I never thought much of them until I saw them myself, I found them to be surprisingly beautiful.
I used to see small pictures and drawings on my grandparents walls along with illustrations in old Scottish books, of sights such as this. I never thought much of them until I saw them myself, I found them to be surprisingly beautiful.
Crusty
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Barnacles have made a lovely pattern along with being a sharp contrast to the dark Scottish stone here.
Barnacles have made a lovely pattern along with being a sharp contrast to the dark Scottish stone here.
Aqua
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This ridiculously clear water has some of the native species of wild fresh water fish swimming in it. I staired at this river for a long time and wished I was swimming in it. Nikko Japan.
This ridiculously clear water has some of the native species of wild fresh water fish swimming in it. I staired at this river for a long time and wished I was swimming in it. Nikko Japan.
Woosh
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You would not want to be caught unaware by this water jet as it leaps 2+ meters into the air with no warning whatsoever. Australia.
You would not want to be caught unaware by this water jet as it leaps 2+ meters into the air with no warning whatsoever. Australia.
Wrack
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Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common names bladder wrack, black tang, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus, and rock wrack is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea,
Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common names bladder wrack, black tang, rockweed, bladder fucus, sea oak, cut weed, dyers fucus, red fucus, and rock wrack is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea,
Sand & Stone
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Some marvelously dark and angular stones in Australia. I liked the fact there's essentially 4 colors in this picture.
Some marvelously dark and angular stones in Australia. I liked the fact there's essentially 4 colors in this picture.
Kelp
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Tasmanian beaches are stunning, even the kelp seems untouched by man.
Tasmanian beaches are stunning, even the kelp seems untouched by man.
Protrude
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As if this odd multi layered rock was not supposed to be there, sticking up through the sand.
As if this odd multi layered rock was not supposed to be there, sticking up through the sand.
Pool made with Rock
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Another stunning tiny rockpool.
Another stunning tiny rockpool.
Bay
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In Sydney I found the Sea water to be much healthier that I would of expected in on of the biggest cities in the world.
In Sydney I found the Sea water to be much healthier that I would of expected in on of the biggest cities in the world.
Sakura River
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Kyoto in the height of the sakura season. The small rivers that litter the city carry the blossoms far and wide.
Kyoto in the height of the sakura season. The small rivers that litter the city carry the blossoms far and wide.
Wrack 2
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More Scottish Seaweed, it looks almost luminous.
More Scottish Seaweed, it looks almost luminous.
Pad
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More of Cambodia's fantastic water lilies.
More of Cambodia's fantastic water lilies.
Plants
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Fractal
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Oban, Scotland.
I saw this rock by a small beach and found the muted greens against the cool grey to be eye pleasing. My trusty Canon 6D was at hand and I snapped a few shots.
Oban, Scotland.
I saw this rock by a small beach and found the muted greens against the cool grey to be eye pleasing. My trusty Canon 6D was at hand and I snapped a few shots.
Shimenawa
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The shimenawa is a special rope tied around or across an object or space to denote its sanctity or purity. Tassels usually hang from the rope at intervals. Shimenawa are believed to act as a ward against evil spirits and are often set up at a ground-breaking ceremony before construction begins on a new building. They are often found at Shinto shrines, torii gates, and sacred landmarks.
They are also used around yorishiro (objects capable of attracting spirits, hence inhabited by spirits). These notably include certain trees, in which case the inhabiting spirits are called kodama, and cutting down these trees is thought to bring misfortune.
The shimenawa is a special rope tied around or across an object or space to denote its sanctity or purity. Tassels usually hang from the rope at intervals. Shimenawa are believed to act as a ward against evil spirits and are often set up at a ground-breaking ceremony before construction begins on a new building. They are often found at Shinto shrines, torii gates, and sacred landmarks.
They are also used around yorishiro (objects capable of attracting spirits, hence inhabited by spirits). These notably include certain trees, in which case the inhabiting spirits are called kodama, and cutting down these trees is thought to bring misfortune.
Oddity
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A tree branch in the forest of Mull, Scotland. To me it looks a little similar to an odd face.
A tree branch in the forest of Mull, Scotland. To me it looks a little similar to an odd face.
Stone
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This area of Kerrara in Scotland has some interesting stones that seem to be infused with white quarts. Almost marble looking rock.
This area of Kerrara in Scotland has some interesting stones that seem to be infused with white quarts. Almost marble looking rock.
Sprout
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A seedling growing out of a fallen tree, making use of the sunlight made available by it's fallen brethren.
A seedling growing out of a fallen tree, making use of the sunlight made available by it's fallen brethren.
Moss
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A branch ladened with moss, looks good enough to sleep on.
A branch ladened with moss, looks good enough to sleep on.
20210611-DSC00106.jpg
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Small pretty flowers growing in a crack on a substantial rock by a beach in Mull, Scotland. A little burst of color in a fairly dull rocky beach.
Small pretty flowers growing in a crack on a substantial rock by a beach in Mull, Scotland. A little burst of color in a fairly dull rocky beach.
Delicate
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Snow has a way of transforming things. This dried dead hogweed delicately caught little tufts of snow, transforming it from a dangerous and poisonous plant, to a thing to approach and appreciate.
Snow has a way of transforming things. This dried dead hogweed delicately caught little tufts of snow, transforming it from a dangerous and poisonous plant, to a thing to approach and appreciate.
Moss (koke in Japanese)
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Edinburgh, Scotland.
I have always found moss delightful, it's delicate but tough, quiet, useful and calming. I included the Japanese word for it as I'm studying Japanese and the Japanese incorporate koke into their traditional gardens and seem to appreciate it as much as I do.
Edinburgh, Scotland.
I have always found moss delightful, it's delicate but tough, quiet, useful and calming. I included the Japanese word for it as I'm studying Japanese and the Japanese incorporate koke into their traditional gardens and seem to appreciate it as much as I do.
Spike
10 of 24
A plant I do not know the name of on a tiny island in Hong Kong. The Fauna & Flora in HK is truly diverse.
A plant I do not know the name of on a tiny island in Hong Kong. The Fauna & Flora in HK is truly diverse.
Leafy
11 of 24
I believe this may be a Japanese climbing fern, but not 100% on that.
It caught my attention with it's unusual leaves, an almost hand like pattern.
I believe this may be a Japanese climbing fern, but not 100% on that.
It caught my attention with it's unusual leaves, an almost hand like pattern.
No Idea
12 of 24
I normally have a good understanding of wildlife, but this odd plant stumped me. I have tried a few plant ID apps to no avail. But that aside, It was small splash of orange in a deep green sea.
I normally have a good understanding of wildlife, but this odd plant stumped me. I have tried a few plant ID apps to no avail. But that aside, It was small splash of orange in a deep green sea.
Nikko
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Nikko, Japan.
This world heritage site also includes a huge forest that had gigantic trees all covered in moss, my moss obsession grows.
Nikko, Japan.
This world heritage site also includes a huge forest that had gigantic trees all covered in moss, my moss obsession grows.
Autumn
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While waltzing through a small section of the Tokyo backstreets I came across this strange yellow fruit. I cannot say for certain, But I think it may be a type of yellow passionfruit.
While waltzing through a small section of the Tokyo backstreets I came across this strange yellow fruit. I cannot say for certain, But I think it may be a type of yellow passionfruit.
Fresh
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Vigorous moss growing near a beach in Tasmania.
The spikiness of the plant with the lime green and grey blue of the rock give a energetic feeling I wanted to capture.
Vigorous moss growing near a beach in Tasmania.
The spikiness of the plant with the lime green and grey blue of the rock give a energetic feeling I wanted to capture.
Cut to perfection
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A well maintained plant inside a Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Minimalism and attention to detail.
A well maintained plant inside a Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Minimalism and attention to detail.
Burr
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Tasmania has some of the most pristine wild environments I have ever seen. This dead wood has a unique and tightly twisted patter, this is called a burr and it normally used in woodworking as it normally has lovely patterns when worked properly.
Tasmania has some of the most pristine wild environments I have ever seen. This dead wood has a unique and tightly twisted patter, this is called a burr and it normally used in woodworking as it normally has lovely patterns when worked properly.
Dry
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I simply found the two colors here eye pleasing. I have not seen the main body of a plant look as gray and lifeless as this, but still producing life.
I simply found the two colors here eye pleasing. I have not seen the main body of a plant look as gray and lifeless as this, but still producing life.
Ferny
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these tendrily ferns were sprouting everywhere in and around Oban in the North West of Scotland.
Rich healthy green.
these tendrily ferns were sprouting everywhere in and around Oban in the North West of Scotland.
Rich healthy green.
Sakura
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A simple picture of Kyoto's Cherry blossom. It's hard to not appreciate such delight.
A simple picture of Kyoto's Cherry blossom. It's hard to not appreciate such delight.
Tight
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Huge tree like ferns preparing new meter long leaves in these tight tendrils ready to spread out in the heart of Tasmania.
Huge tree like ferns preparing new meter long leaves in these tight tendrils ready to spread out in the heart of Tasmania.
Clusters of Spikes
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A tree that grows some sort of small spikey growth.
The main reason for this shot was the strong sunlight and shadows.
A tree that grows some sort of small spikey growth.
The main reason for this shot was the strong sunlight and shadows.
Carnivorous
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A wild sundew, a carnivorous plant that captures insects and digest them. A welcome addition to a country with mosquitoes.
A wild sundew, a carnivorous plant that captures insects and digest them. A welcome addition to a country with mosquitoes.
Three Trees
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On a small wall in Okinawa I found this little moss bed with three small and dainty plants growing up through it, calming and a use of the rule of odds.
On a small wall in Okinawa I found this little moss bed with three small and dainty plants growing up through it, calming and a use of the rule of odds.