Another day of sunshine with the suns heat already beating a balmy 14.8°c at Durlston. It’s quiet with the flutter of Great Tit wings heard as it moves between the leafy Elder and Mayflower blossom. Chirps from Chaffinch, the wheezing Greenfinch, and churring Magpie. A small flock of Goldfinch passing overhead.
I head out through to Skipworth, past the Yellow Meadow Ant hills, my path lined with cheery Buttercup, Dandelion clocks, and the modest Ribwort Plantain - bulbous flowers heads encircled by creamy-white anthers.
Bracken and Nettles have sprouted and compete for space with one another. Tendrils of Tufted Vetch also have appeared everywhere, ready to twist and turn their way up with the rising sward. Amongst the turf of Glaucous Sedge; Goosegrass, Hogweed, Red Clover, and the onion-scented Crow Garlic.
Bird song continues into the meadow with tunes heard from Robin and Blackcap towards the Copse. Chiffchaffs continually chirp, and in the distance, the clunking of quarry machinery at by California Farm.
Birds Foot Trefoil has begun to outcompete the Cowslips for speckling the meadow with yellow. More delights in smaller patches, such as the display of Early Purple Orchids in the northwestern corner, and carpet of Adders Tongue Fern alongside the footpath.
I walk past where I had to rescue an unfortunate Border Collie on Wednesday, after it had been bitten by an Adder. A good reminder to keep your dogs close by and on the footpaths.
I head back across through the woods, enjoying the beautiful blue vistas through the tall Black Pines and across Durlston Bay. The Isle of Wight hidden amongst a cloud of haze. Butterflies, Speckled Wood and Wall Brown bask upon the old dry stone walls. Apple blossom in full colour.