The winds have turned on this final day of August, giving an autumnal feel to the morning. The easterlies rattle up through the woodland above the slope of Durlston Bay; rustling leaves and swaying branches.
The first browning Sycamore leaves have fallen, though the bare canopies of Ash and Elm tell a different story. Each of these species are in decline due to the introduction of funguses which kill off the trees: Ash Dieback and Dutch Elm Disease.
With the season turning, many fruiting plants have turned to seed. Bright red Bryony berries stand out draped through the Willow and Bramble. Alongside, of course, the ripening Blackberries, but also Honeysuckle, Wild Madder, and Blackthorn. All of which providing a late season feast for birds and mammals alike.
Activity along the cliffs quietens through August, with the departure of our non-resident seabird colonies, but now it awakens with the Autumn migration. Durlston is located as a favoured departure point for birds crossing the channel, and today the sky is bustling with Swallows. Earlier this week; Whinchat, Redstart, Blackcap, Whitethroat, and Reed Warbler.
Our meadows have now been cut with the hay formed into lines ready for baling. Some sections of field have been left for invertebrates, and late season flowers to seed: You can still enjoy a plethora of colour, with plenty of flowering Fleabane, Scabious, Bartsia, Restharrow, Wild Carrot, and Clover.
Meanwhile, aside from the purple Knapweed, the downs are scattered with mostly yellow delights: Birds Foot Trefoil, Yellow Wort, Ragwort, Bristly Ox-tongue, and Carline Thistles.
Stonechats and Robins heard chirping amongst the patches of scrub. Goldfinch and yet more Swallows high above, and a few Wheatears rushing past. Going by the last couple butterfly surveys, if you see a butterfly out here – there’s a roughly 3 in 4 chance it will be a Meadow Brown.