I knew I had to walk through the woodland to check for any storm damaged trees. In such strong winds one risks being hit by falling branches, so I was relieved to only see one couple walking beneath canopy. Buddleia held dry flowers heads by Rest & Admire. Look across the bay at times the wind blew over the sea lifting the lightest of spray resembling wind blown sand.
It felt as if I was discovering the woodland. I had forgotten about its evergreen Holly, Yew Laurel, Privet, Bay, Box, Monterey Cyprus and Bamboo cover. Both Elm and Hazel, a little taller than I, had leaves a plenty. Luckily, there were only a few branches I needed to remove from the coast path. The Ivy clad Elm that had snapped in half had fortunately fallen into the space left by and absent play structure. It was a surprise the encounter a Tabby Cat that chose to disappear down the cliff edge near a viewpoint. Tall slender trees and far-reaching branches swayed in the wind. A creaking sound was evidence of branches or trees rubbing against each other. Remnants of red / orange Montbretia flowers were just over the wall near what once was the Greenwood seat. Near the winterbourne a Horse Chestnut had so few leaves left that it would soon be empty. Passing by the remains of La Belle Vue I removed a damaged piece of ladder step on the coast path. Once below, amongst the shrubland cover of the landslip, it was sheltered and calm. The tall Pampas Grass clumps were not affected by the wind. One Greater Black Backed Gull passed over the bay. At the top of the Zig Zag the golden sun shone between the still, sheltered trees.
Heading back up the woodchip path the wind roared through the woodland. Path side bushes shook resembling the brushes of a carwash. Amongst them were Snow Berry, Privet with fruits. I thought the extent of the ground cover, near the Yew, of Winter Heliotrope had diminished. Climbing up the trunk of a Poplar, with an excellent cavity, was a Squirrel. Along castle wood path I felt as though several leaning trees had inched closer to the ground. A Robin crossed the path just before I entered the Holm Oak arch. Take care out there as we have had a 52 mile per hour gust!