There are now considered to be several species of Honey Fungus, but they can be difficut to tell apart.  They are variable in colour from honey-coloured to brownish-yellow, through red-brown to a darker brown, with darker scales.  

They are serious parasites of many species of trees and shrubs, often responsible for the death of specimen trees, fruit trees, hedgerow shrubs etc. in parks and gardens.  The long black 'bootlaces' or rhizomorphs can be found under the bark of dead and dying trees.

If you are recording the 'bootlaces' or are not sure of the identity of your Honey Fungus, please record it as this (genus only); photograph from top down, in side view and underneath to show gills, ring and full length of stipe; note habitat and substrate.

At the base of living trees or stumps

Common

Common