Unsure what this is but assumed to be an egg sac similar to that produced by a Praying mantis, but far larger than anything I’ve seen. The structure was the size of a hen’s egg and was laid on top of a fallen tree trunk, over grass and stalks, as shown in the final image. Close inspection of the structure as seen in the first image, appears to show that it has been formed from layer upon layer of a foam-like material laid down in swirling motions. One for NatureMapr's experts. (On advice from @CathB I've changed the possible identification to a Slime Mould. Thanks for the advice Cath).
Reticularia lycoperdon, a slime mould which forms a relatively large, single, fruiting body called an aethalium, it hardens and then eventually splits to release a brown mass of spores.