I had originally thought this was a Stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus) but wasn't convinced particularly as when I got down close there was no smell. I understand from fungi experts that the smell of stinkhorn is strong enough not to need detecting from close to. This is a good example of how identifications just using a book don't work very well!

Thanks to Jana Kmuníèková for pointing this error out.

Local verge in shade near a stream 10th April 2005

Added on 27th June 2005, updated 19th Nov 2014