Last night I took an off-road vehicle home ready to be called out, if needed, like many other Dorset Council staff. Although, awoken at 2am, by the wind, I was I stayed safely in bed. Of course, this morning’s patrol focused on the wooded Pleasure Grounds.
I passed the recently completed neat, low lying, well laid hedgerow through Long Meadow before reaching the coast path. On a straight, slender, upright coastal Elm, a Grey Squirrel perched with its bushy tail against the trunk, hind legs upon a short branch stump as it paws clasped an acorn.
Storm Ciaran had helped to shed more leaves, Holm Oak acorns and small branches. A solo surfer was in Durlston bay where waves raced around Durlston head only to smash into Peveril Downs and Ledges. Woodpigeon, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, and Magpies were active between undercliff and wood.
Herring Gulls and a Greater Black Backed Gull disappeared beyond Durlston Head. So much froth about Durlston Bay. Spray broke of the crest of racing waves. Meanwhile the coastal trees were relatively still, although a tall Monterey Cyprus simply swayed.
Whilst I witnessed the Woodland Winterbourne tumbling and racing towards the undercliff, Katie reported the gully winterbourne also flowing. Furthermore, she saw the blow holes emitting bubbles and spray. Beside one of the stream bridges, dead Ivy creepers had fallen and scattered covering the narrow path. In places clay squelched underfoot between exposed tree roots.
Back in the woodland, surface water had spread woodchip from the play trail. Where drainage channels were active, bubbles formed as off path pools expanded. A few Snow Berry fruits were noted. Healthy young Elm and Hazel held leaves whilst the Hydrangeas had kept their flower heads. Vivid orange gelatinous Witches Butter fungi stood out upon a log. Holding its white petals upright towards the sky, was one Ox Eye Daisy amongst the car park verge.