Another wet and windy morning walk to end the year. Short sharp showers batter the park while the wind reaching 47mph last night sends the trees swaying dramatically. The Blackthorn covered is a silvery green liking lichen sways gently in the wind. Robins pop in and out of the dense scrub as I walk along flashes on red occasionally catching my eyes. Stinking Iris berries draw your eye towards them with their bright orange / red colour.
In the woodland dark purple Privet berries appear shiny due to their coating of rainwater. The occasionally Snow Berry clings to the other wise bare shrub. Over the head the creaking and swaying of tree branches draws your eye up to them to witness the dramatic force the wind. Some of the logs lining the woodchip path are covered in a beautiful display of Turkey Tail fungus, perfectly displaying why it was given its name.
Around the base of the dormant Hydrangeas the leaves of Lords and Ladies are just starting to break the surface, the large leaves sill curled tightly in of themselves. Back up along the coast path in the more sheltered areas birds can be heard chirping away. A Wren pops out of a dense path of brambles to sit on a log and belt out its tune, tiny tail waggling in the air.
Along the top of the lighthouse road Rose hips poke through the top of a patch of Brambles rainwater making them shine in the sun that’s now starting to poke through the cloud cover. Dark clusters of Ivy berries stand out against the vivid green on the Ivy’s leaves. Looking out to sea two Gannets can be seen swooping gracefully over the surface of water heading towards the light house. Standing at the top of the field hear the wind is so strong it’s a struggle to walk or even stand up.