Another sunny morning falls across the park as I make my way out through the meadows. A long Goldfinch chirps away from the top of an Ash Tree, golden markings catching the mornings sun. The snowy white blossom on Blackthorn, that lines the path into south field, is slowly being replaced by small green leaves.
A smattering of delicate Cowslips can be seen across the field. The pastel yellow flowers adding a pop of colour to the dull green meadow.
In Saxon I head to the hay rake quar and am pleased to see the first few Early Spider Orchids just starting to flower. They only stand 2 or 3cm tall with the flowers only just starting to open. Near the orchids some Violets can also be seen just starting to over but still adding a nice splash of purple. I also spot the basal leaves of a Common Spotted Orchid, the black spotted leaves making it stand out.
Entering Oxeye, the constant song of a Skylark fills the air, though the bird is tricky to spot. Out in the meadow a cock Pheasant wanders through the long grass. In this field the display of flowering Cowslips is a beautiful picture.
Below the lower mile marker some Chalk Milkwort can be seen around the edges of the slightly longer turf, the bright pink tiny flowers catching my eye as I pass. Passing through the gate a Kestrel bursts from the cliff top circling tilly whim ledge once before heading along the cliffs towards the castle.
After checking on the Guillemots quickly, who are all packed into the ledge this morning. I head up the diagonal path, the retentive trill of a Cirl Bunting cuts through the air, before I spot it perched on top of a Hawthorn. A Greenfinch can also been see on patch of scrub lower down.