By Katie Isham.
The calendar has clicked into October and the Harvest Moon is about to wax to the max. The time is right for wandering through some local woodland to fawn over the blushing branches and squeal at magnificent formations of fungi on display.
Marlhill Copse is a stretch of ancient woodland in the north east of the city, tucked under a bend of the River Itchen. From Woodmill Lane and the sprawling Riverside Park, slip down the tree lined street of River Walk and follow the wooden signpost through the gate into the copse.
The main path through Marlhill is paved but the vegetation camouflages it with undergrowth and fallen leaves so that only a mere flash of tarmac is visible. Hike up the paved path and deeper into the woodland.
Garden fences and crumbling sheds flank one side and the dip leading down to the (recovering) stream edges the other. Trees push skyward and arch across the thoroughfare; at this time of year, they are readying themselves for the change. Choose a day where the sun streams through the leafy cover and it’s like entering a magical realm.
Along the way, wooden boards signpost information about the trees, birds, bats and other creatures who use this strip of woodland. Pause to take in some facts and stay alert to rustles in the bushes on this safari.
Before feet have time to tire, there is huge temptation to rest. Trunks of the felled trees have been transformed into wooden thrones. Some are carved into grand pedestals and others are communal sofas of the forest. A walk is a walk and given such an opportunity, it would be rude not to sit and exist in the finest of surroundings.
Mind where you park yourself though: some of the seats already have occupants. ‘Tis the season for mushrooms and some of the detritus around the carved wood is resplendent with growth of the wee fellas. Share the space with care for these residents, then head off the beaten track to hunt down more of our fungi friends.
Towards the end of the path through the estate, as the metal fence of civilisation comes into view, turn left into the real bulk of the copse. The path is there, if a little overgrown in places, but that adds to the adventure. Hold back the grasses and skip over the roots deeper into the jungle.
The route twists then trots over some wooden bridges. Don’t go too fast as it’s easy to miss the jewels on the ground. Overhanging ferns protect colonies of alien caps drawing moisture from the autumnal earth; broken trunks provide a playground for soft shrooms shaded beneath great trees. Look closely and an army of fungi marches across a mossy barricade. Once you get your “mushroom eye” in, it’s hard to see anything else.
There are big sights as well as the miniscule ones. One of the greatest oaks in the city stands resolute, with a pool of sunlight spotlighting it amongst the woodland. It really is a sight to make anyone audibly gasp.
The course then reaches more fences where sneaking down the side of a metal railing will eject you onto the main Mansbridge Road. Enjoy shocking drivers when emerging from the undergrowth to the bright lights of Ozzy’s kebab van. A detour here can take you through to numerous refreshment options, and onto the bridge of Mansbridge then back down towards Riverside. Although returning back into the woods of Marlhill will offer many more tiny sights to discover and is a much more satisfying mild adventure.
Back into the wilds behind the suburbs, ferns and rainbow branches cocoon adventurers to create a feeling of elsewhere. That is until the planes roar through the sky… but now’s not the time for that argument. Ignore the activity above and concentrate on the flurry of fungi.
The magic of the season is only fleeting; these little guys will wane as quickly as the moon does. Marlhill Copse is a landing strip for some of the most treasured mushrooms and all the creatures who seek them: reap nature’s harvest on a stroll through the backwoods of our city.
Cost: Free to access the walk and free to park on residential streets.
Accessibility: The main path through the woods is paved albeit a little bumpy in places. Once you get off road, it’s tricky even on foot and definitely not suitable for wheels. Some of the all-terrain paths can get boggy and overgrown and care should be taken. Reach the copse around Townhill Park in the north east of the city from River Walk or Cutbush Lane.
Facilities: Free car parking on residential streets. No other facilities actually in the copse. A short walk brings you to a variety of facilities in all directions: Ozzy’s kebab van is visible from the foliage; The White Swan and Haskins are a stone’s throw; back down River Walk, The Hop Inn is only a hop away.
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