The clouds rolling across as my patrol began, but still warm despite the westerly wind. A Peregrine Falcon screamed loudly from above Durlston Castle, this grey bird spotted hanging in the wind before diving out of view.
Wonderful display of Wild Carrot and Black Knapweed and some Greater Knapweed, with some brilliant yellow Fleabane flowers in patches.
The feathery, pink coloured, Red Bartsia poking through the grasses while the purple Tufted Vetch rambled.
The grasses have mostly now turned delicate shades of yellow and browns, but the shape and form of the heads remain, Cocksfoot, Crested Dog’s Tail, Yorkshire Fog and Sweet Vernal Grass just a few of the commonest, but also look out for Timothy, Small Foxtail and Meadow Barley.
Into the woodland where the small pale green four-petalled flowers of Japanese Spindle are showing very well, standing out against the thick dark green leaves.
The fruits seem earlier than usual, as a couple of our wild Apples are covered is apples, some of the Blackthorn have sloes and patches of Brambles have blackberries – none of this usual for July.
A huge stand of Hemp Agrimony showing off its pale pink flowers, and the new Hydrangeas are a vibrant pink and white down by the ‘stream’.
As I approached a viewpoint I took advantage of the new seat which has arrived, providing me a great view across Durlston Bay. Flying past a small flock of Black-headed Gulls and a couple long necked Shags. Above me a Wood Pigeon waddled along the branch of a Holm Oak.
The vibrant orange of Montbretia draws my eye towards this patch of exotics, just as a Speckled Wood butterfly passes by.