The tactile sense of woodchip paths that crumble under toe
The taste of misty brine that whets the lip where sea winds blow
The reptile calls and wingbeat strokes that sound from on the water
The vivid yellow fungal hues in Durlston’s woodland quarter
A thousand scents, each one a window to this wild world
The senses weave a tapestry of memory unfurled.
I began my walk in the Car Park, taking a few moments to get reacquainted with this microcosm of Durlston’s many habitats. Common Groundsel extruded from gaps in the pavement, accompanied by Bristly Ox Tongue and a few Poppies flourishing in the thin soil residue. On the verges themselves little patches of Buttercup and Red Clover looked pleased with the overnight soaking they had received. A few bashful Dog Roses poked their blooms through the scrub while Robins, Chiffchaffs, Goldfinches and a distant Whitethroat filled the air with morning song.
Heading down to the Pleasure Grounds via Long Meadow I noted a healthy crop of Birds Foot Trefoil growing in yellow blotches beneath rising stems of Pale Flax and tall swaying Cocksfoot. To my left the bushy boughs of a Dogwood were happily spreading out over the footpath, I remember them being kept better trimmed.
In the shelter of the Woodlands I walked past the drooping heads of English Bluebell and white Ramson flowers, Herring Gull cries ringing out above the canopy. The Pleasure Grounds have undergone some pretty remarkable changes since I last stepped foot in them, but the feel of the bark mulch paths was much the same. Heading instinctively for one of my old favourite fungi finding trails I was a little surprised to see someone had installed some kind of “Children’s Natural Play Area” right down the middle of it. Treading these fresh new paths I had low expectations given the season, but was happy to see a Golden Ear Fungus resplendent on a fallen log. Durlston always delivers.
Around the head swaying heads of Sea Campion rose and fell with the salty sea breeze, while landward purple Bittersweet Nightshade and yellow Charlock adorned the hedgerows. My head spun slightly as my ears caught the saurian calls and wingbeat water slaps of the Guillemots on the water, One of the most evocative sounds I know. So much memory and experience condensed into a single sensation.