Lichen on a Fallen Birch

A fallen birch runs across the woodland floor, its white bark lifting in curls around dark cracks. Orange lichen spreads in irregular patches beside pale green fronds, and moss cushions gather beneath the trunk. Small fungi rise from the leaf litter, their smooth caps catching the damp light.

The bark gives you long lines to follow before the finer details take over. Lichen edges are surprisingly varied, with some crisp and leafy patches fading into the brown surface. Moss makes soft green islands around the base, and wet leaves bring copper, yellow and deep chocolate tones. Work from the trunk outward, using the little mushrooms and bright lichen patches as landmarks between the darker woodland pieces.