It’s a wild start to the day with strong winds blowing through Durlston from the East. It whips up waves in Durlston bay and rattles up over the slopes. It’s hard to hear any birds over the rustling of trees, as the branches bend and sway; their leaves clinging on with their all might.
Though sheltering amongst a thicket of Buddleia, I can make out the low chirping from Great Tits as they churr to below the long panicles of purple flowers.
It’s calmer at Sunnydale, though a fresh scattering of underripe ‘helicopters’ or Sycamore seeds, cover the woodland floor. Here the Hydrangeas display their vibrant bouquets of pink or white flowers.
More colour can be found where Lords & Ladies have fruited, their green hood having died back, and the spikes now laden with conspicuous orange berries. Above, red berries adorn the Hawthorn which gives a distinct autumnal feels where the crown appears more red than green. Tiny pink flowers of Herb Robert can be seen dispersed along cracks in the older dry stone walls.
I head down to the Observation Point and along the cliff too where the easterly winds carry a Shag westward at great speed. Woodpigeons flock in almost-frantic looping flights and Gulls soar high above; their wings outstretched and steady as they float East.
The rumours are true… the Tilly Whim’s upper gate has been opened for the first time in decades. You can peer into the cave and see the skeleton of pirate Harry Paye imprisoned behind the lower gate.
I ascend the slopes in Lighthouse field below the Mile Markers; which sound an audible metal clang with every gusting wind. Even this misty dull morning a mosaic of colour is seen across the grassland: Pink Common Centaury, purple Knapweed and Bartsia, white Wild Carrot, and variety of yellows; from Birds Foot Trefoil, Ragwort, Agrimony, and Bristly Ox-Tongue.