A glorious spring morning, I trudge my way through the mud towards the large copse. Looking out towards Swanage the bottom of the valley is still covered in a thick layer of fog. A heavy dew coats the park sparkling in the bright morning sunlight. Blackthorn in full bloom along side some that is only just starting to flower, lines the edges of the meadow. The buzz of insect activity emanates from the bushes, a plump fluffy Bumblebee flies out of the bush and across my path and out of sight.
Beside the gate into the large copse Burdock leaves are starting to show as well as Garlic Mustard. Out in Taskers the black spotted leaves of Early Purple Orchid catch my eye just before I can I step on it, the basal leaves easily recognised thanks to the distinctive markings.
In the hay rake quarr accompanied by the song on a Wren in the scrub behind me I hunt for the basal leaves of Early Spider Orchids, though there none that I could see. I did find some tiny purple Violets though, flowers so small and delicate it would be easy to miss them if not looking. Above a Skylark serenades me with its song, high in the sky wings flapping frantically to keep it air born.
Heading through oxeye, I spot some Cowslips just starting to flower, tiny spots of yellow in the green mass, once I have my eye in hundreds seem to appear in the grass. Bright white Daisies add even more colour to the meadow.
Down at Tilly Whim looking out to sea four Razorbills float together on the water near the bottom of the cliff. Further out a raft of about 20 Guillemots also float on the still water. Though the Guillemot ledge remains empty.