Paul in the woods

... rhododendri or lichenoides - can anyone identify which one? Unfortunately when I took the photo I didn't note the tree it was growing on and there's willow and hazel in the wood. There's no fruiting bodies about at the moment but I often find several during the year. However, I have a question about both. I gather neither are that common and tend to like mature woodland. I have an area of old coppiced hazel that's been overrun somewhat by the goat willow and I had planned to cut out much of the willow and coppice the hazel which would remove the habitat for the fungi. Should I change my plans?

We've wiped out quite a few species from these shores so I don't see why not, provided it's worth while and actively supported. However, I'm more interested in reducing their numbers because of the amount of damage they do rather than to increase reds.

This seems like an appropriate thread for a long term woodland owning lurker to make the first post on. I've got just under 10 acres of very mixed woodland that's been rather neglected before I purchased it a few years ago. I've just completed my management plan myself, just waiting for approval from the forestry commission before I get paid for doing it. I used the free myForest service which may be of interest ( myForest • serving Britain's Wood Community ). It was a bit of a learning curve but worth doing. The forestry commission also has a template for a small wood that may be useful. What I have learnt is it's a balancing act, not just between producing something useful and looking after wildlife but also between different wildlife critters - i.e. what might be good for dormice might not be best for bats. I did get help from my local wild life trust and an associated woodland consultant (both free advice and your local trust might be able to help). But they do have their own goals that might not match up with yours, so be careful. As for tree recognition I picked up a field studies council tree trail for free several years ago and found it good for helping to identify unknown trees. It's a bit pricey now but might be useful: Tree name trail - FSC One final thing, if you have deer about take care coppicing as the new growth will be nibbled down before you can say "venison sausage", often the day after you've admired the new growth.