![\"allen-stichler-moorlands\"](\"http:\/\/stichler.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/WP_20150112_001.jpg\")
<\/a> \u00a0 ![\"allen-stichler-ywt\"](\"http:\/\/stichler.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/WP_20150528_032.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe fungi looked spectacular and added to the magical impression of the tree.<\/p>\n
There were a few areas untouched by the fungus and so these spots were earmarked for carving woodland spirits like elves and imps, fairies and gnomes.<\/p>\n I started with an patch to the left of the trunk, under the large bough; I’d done a few sketches for reference the previous night, but was open to changing elements according to the shape of the trunk.<\/p>\n Then disaster struck, as I hit an area of rot to the right of the elf; it ran down the entire side and meant I would lose his ear and his hand, as the wood was like polystyrene and crumbled away with the slightest touch. Now what? You can’t really leave a half-finished elf, but a crumbly elf isn’t much better. I persevered and did what I could do, but again I was left feeling a bit frustrated by the wood (as with the seat, see previous article). I contacted Pete Bowser, who had a look at a picture and said the fungus was Ganoderma, which grows on heavily decayed wood, and the fact that there was so much on there wasn’t a good sign at all. I thought that fungi didn’t really affect the tree except for where it was attached, but I missed the point in that it only grows on decayed wood in the first place.<\/p>\n So, no group of fairy friends on this tree. Shame, it would’ve looked great.<\/p>\n<\/a> \u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a> \u00a0<\/a> \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a> \u00a0<\/a> The rot spot<\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0 <\/a><\/p>\n