I could feel a nip in the air this morning as I set out down the winding road towards Anvil Point.
Much of the grasslands have gone to seed, losing the mosaic of colour. However some areas are still speckled purple; with the occasional Greater Knapweed, Black Knapweed, and Creeping Thistle. Yellows also found, where some Agrimony spikes still flower, and I also enjoy a cheery little patch of Common Toadflax with their distinctive two tone snapdragon flowers.
Seeds still on offer from the late Wild Carrot and red Wood Dock, but you’re hard pressed to find any remaining seed pods of the Common Restharrow and Birds Foot Trefoil, of which few flowers remain.
Old Man’s Beard appears increasingly spread across the scrub, smothering life below with its sprawling vines and wispy white beards. Where it has not yet spread, a colourful autumn harvest of Sloes, Rosehips, crimson-red Bryony and of course Blackberries. The latter of which spread far and wide by an abundance of purple Badger scat.
Our last orchid of the season, Autumn Lady’s Tresses has bloomed to the west of the Lighthouse. Look out for the stubby green spikes adorned with a spiral of white flowers.
The sea appears calm but gentle swells roll into the cliffs topped with Rock Samphire and Sea Aster. You can hear the surge of water as collides with the rocks, the splash of the rebounding whitewater, and the pour as it flows back off the ledges.
Goldfinches in the gully, joined by a flock of Rock Pipit who chase one another across the slopes, gentle piping as they flow. Cawing Crows in the distance, Meadow Pipit, and Stonechat heard atop the scrub.
Hamish reports that his hunt to find Durlston’s first Verge Cricket continues (arrived in Britain for first time this summer), however he did find a Large Conehead Bush-cricket – possibly first record for Durlston since they arrived in Britain around 2005.