Winter to Early Spring

“I love imagining elves gathering round the scarlet elf cup, sipping the dew on the cusp of dawn - a small comfort in the throes of a winter’s day.

Bowls of scarlet and orange lining a dampening, decaying branch, the fungi known as the moss cup, fairies’ baths or scarlet elf cup can be found warming up the cool tones of the winter forest.

Slugs and rodents are keen admirers of this fungi, which at first glance appears similar to ruby elf cup; only differences in microscopic hairs can tell the two apart.

By listening closely when you come across one on the way through the woods, a soft puffing sound might be audible - that’s the fungi releasing its spores into the air.

In European folklore they were said to be the cups from which elves drank dew in the mornings, and Oneida Native Americans used this fungi as medicine to stop bleeding.

In the past, arrangements were made with the scarlet elf cup alongside moss to be sold as decorations.

Found on fallen twigs and branches (usually Hazel, Elm and Willow) in damp areas.”

This incredible piece of art by Medha showcases one of the many ways ancient woodlands inspire us.