possible chicken of the woods?

[Nick Waring]

found this on an old stump. as my fungi knowledge is very poor, im taking a wild stab (after looking on the web) at chicken of the woods? There seems to be alot of sweet chestnut around the old stump.

 

Can anyone recommend a fungi book for beginners?

[Bart]

Im no expert but think it could be.

 

took this pic last year on a copper beech 5-6ft up the stem,the most developed fruiting body at the top.

[janey]

Sure it's not expanding foam? From the bygone days of filling cavities

 

Laetiporous would be my i.d. as well.

 

As for books - I highly recommend the great God Lonsdale's "Principles of Tree Hazard assessment and Management". It gives a comprehensive list of the most commonly found wood decay fungi and more importantly, the type of decay they cause.