A rare fungi has been seen sprouting in a nature reserve.

The scarlet elf cup was spotted by Paul Lipscombe as he explored the Itchen Valley Nature Reserve.

Its striking red appearance makes it stand out in the leaf litter and damp woodland floors.

Scarlet elf cups are relatively small and are often described as “little woodland jewels”.

They can be found hidden among fallen leaves and moss as the fungus thrives in damp and shady areas.

This makes them “rewarding to find”, according to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT).

The trust added that the scarlet elf cup is “reasonably widespread, but not very common”.

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Most sightings happen in late winter and early spring, between January and April, and the elf cups often grow on fallen twigs and branches from Hazel, Elm and Willow trees.

A spokesperson for HIWWT said: “The cups can range from deep crimson to bright scarlet, with a smooth inner surface that contrasts with their slightly fuzzy, pale exterior.

“The striking colour of the cups - often likened to tiny, delicate chalices - is a result of the pigments in their cell walls, which protect the fungus from ultraviolet light.

“As the weather warms during late winter, you can find them popping up in nature reserves managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, including the iconic Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve.”