A blustery start to the day with even the largest Holm Oak branches swaying with each gust. Unrelenting calls from a couple Chiffchaffs could still be heard over the rumbling wind and rustling leaves.
In the woodland, fresh green leaves have burst from their buds; an understorey of Privet begins to reform, intertwined with shoots of Wild Madder and creeping Honeysuckle. Hart’s Tongue Fern leaves have began to unfurl themselves, which is most pleasing to see!
Open glades have also turned a grassy green once again. Scatterings of Dandelions add a splash of colour, whilst layers of Goosegrass, Wild Arum, Wood sage, and Garlic Mustard add to the interest with their variety of different shaped leaves.
Woodpigeons and Magpies shelter down on Caravan Terrace, and a Peregrine races overhead, towards the cliffs. More Chiffchaffs can be heard here, alongside the dawn chorus of Robin, Great Tit, and Blackcap.
Here, a beautiful Spring display of Primroses adorn the ledge. Between them; pink-tipped petals of Daisies, a few purple Dog-violets, and numerous fresh sprigs of St John’s Wort. Above, blooms of sunny-yellow Gorse flowers, and white Blackthorn tumble over the rock-face.
Below the bridge, the bright pink blossoms of Flowering Currant can be seen submerged amongst the jungle of undergrowth. I had never noticed it growing here before. But now in Spring it is unmistakeable; striking racemes of pink flowers hanging delicately below each leaf.