Emily, who is the manager of the Seventhwave Restaurant at Durlston Castle, is being a Volunteer Ranger for the day. As I walk up the path, there she was, waiting for me, sat on a rock like a little smiley gnome! As she is in close contact with those that visit the park, she wanted to find out a bit more about Durlston and what we do as Rangers, so she can relay that to her customers and has a little bit more knowledge of some of the locations you can see certain species here on the park. At least that was the plan! So Ill hand you over to Emily:
“The morning was drizzly and overcast so we took to the meadows to see what wildlife would be sheltering away. Turning into Boys Brigade, Brent spotted a Black Cap chirping away on the Elderflower by the Small Copse. In Saxon we were greeted by the tail end of a Roe Deer hopping away. Along the way we kept an eye out for wild flowers, as I am always being asked for locations of these. Today I was introduced to Cowslip, Horseshoe Vetch, Chalk Milkwort along with the Early Purple and Early Spider Orchids.
Deciding to brave the wind and rain we turned towards the Lighthouse and along to Tilly Whim where we saw Golden Samphire and Sea Beet”
Emily has now been whisked away to join the work party so Ill finish off for her. So, what else did we see? Well, we were lucky enough to see a Gannet close to shore. This is a fabulous bird, our largest sea bird, but so graceful and slick. Its smoky head, white body and black wing tips are an easy spot when looking out to sea. Effortlessly they skim the surface of the water, always a step ahead of any rogue waves. A total delight to observe. Nesting on the cliffs were the Fulmar, who are usually very active, but today I think the weather may have put heed to their morning fun. Along the cliffs we see the pink flowers of Thrift and the white puffs of flower known as Sea Campion. Overhead a Meadow Pipit ‘peeps’ whilst fiercely flapping its wings. Along the path we bump into Hamish who saw some Manx Shearwater out to sea but not much else to report. It was just one of those wet and soggy mornings here at Durlston!