Hericium erinaceus 

One of the ‘big four’ species that are actually protected by law. This species is pretty much restricted to veteran Oak or Beech trees and has strongholds in areas of the country, where these occur.  It was therefore a bit of a surprise to be notified of the existence of the specimen photographed below, which was fruiting high on a not particularly notable Oak tree on the west service drive of the Kenwood Estate.  This the first published record for Middlesex.