As I start the Diary Walk, I notice the freshness of the westerly wind and the cooler weather and try to make decisions in my head as to what direction to take. I decide to walk towards the Lighthouse Road, where I spot a Wood Pigeon flying across, whilst a Hoverfly species chills on a Hawthorn bush, and two swallows swoop along in their elegant fashion. As I walk further down I noticed a Common Blue, and scrambling through tall grass, Ragwort, and Wild Rose.
Entering the tarmac path one notices the slight sound of Bush Crickets and Grasshoppers dimmed by the noise of the wind whistling. Whilst looking around for anything interesting I bump into a friendly wildlife and camera enthusiast whom has spotted a couple of Roe Deer by the lighthouse – this was confirmed later by their bark, must be the coming to the end of Roe mating season.
Past the gate and down the tarmac road spotted was a Crow and a Magpie, a couple of Meadow Brown butterflies swoop in front of me. Another Magpie is spotted sitting on top of the pole like a Kestrel. Robins call each other as I walk past one of the quarry caves.
Past the quarry, I walk right onto a grass track – female Meadow Brown spotted, as a Roe barks again in the distance, bee species still looking to pollinate even with the slightly windy conditions, another bee is spotted on Ragwort.
I notice as I walk straight up to a gate, plant species such as Birds-Foot Trefoil, Wild Carrot, Ragwort and Wild Parsnip (Wild Parsnips all look sad), and many other wildflower species. At the gate, I look with binoculars to the English Channel – nothing special to report unfortunately.
Then I walk swiftly straight towards an old pit – past a field of tall grass species, ant hills and few wildflowers. Outside of the old pit I find quite a few Autumn Ladies Tresses – beautiful as such, yet reminding us all how summer is almost over!
I then realise I have to get back quickly to write the diary and open the castle. Would love to do the Diary all day, but someone has got to keep an eye on the castle this morning!