The woodland offers a refreshingly cool start to my day following another night wishing I had aircon. A steady easterly breeze rolls across Durlston Bay, over the rocky slopes and under the shade of the Holm Oaks. The salty sea air fills my nostrils with that of the Seaweed rotting upon the shore.
The tree canopy bounces to and throw, with many of the shimmering leaves turned brown - a stress reaction to the heatwave and leading some to drop earlier than usual. Sycamore, Horse Chestnut, and Black Poplar leaves already sounding a satisfying crunch underfoot.
Many plants have ‘gone over’ such as the Woodsage and Buddleja which have turned brown as they go to seed. Berries ripen upon other plants, such as the St John’s Wort, crimson-red Haws, blue Sloes, and Bramble. Badger’s scat now purple and filled with Blackberries.
Hoverflies and Butterflies move into the remaining yellows; Ragwort, Smooth Sow Thistle, and Bristly Ox-Tongue. Fleabane forming a glorious sea of cheery golden flowers. Meadow Grasshoppers springing out of the way as slowly step through the sward.
This sunny glade also offers an abundance of different butterflies; Small White offering a pleasing contrast to the pink Willowherb. the Brown Argus which pause upon each flower rubbing together their closed wings, and the lofty Painted Lady’s in flight which make you want to duck out of their way.
It’s been a great year for Hummingbird-Hawkmoths with sightings everyday around Durlston Castle. Almost as sure a sight as the green Wall Lizards which bask upon it’s South-facing walls.
I didn’t hear too many birds along my walk, but I did enjoy watching a family of Blue Tits flashing their bright blue feathers as they moved through the understorey. Also the soft ‘tsee tsee tsee’ from a Firecrest – these tiny little birds increasingly common through the woods.