A definite autumnal feel to the early rounds this morning, with a powerful westerly wind roaring through the trees, and sending the first few rusty leaves tumbling from Ash trees and rattling their ‘keys’, while a White Poplar in the Reservoir Copse displays the shimmering silver undersides of it’s leaves as it dances in the wind.
As summer draws to a close, there are nonetheless plenty of flowers to enjoy, especially on the downland, where our last orchid of the year, Autumn Ladies Tresses is in flower. This tiny white orchid, only a few inches tall features a spiral of white flowers around the stem, giving it it’s lovely Latin name Spiranthes spiralis.
Also to be found on the shorter turf, the metallic looking Carline Thistle, Eyebright, Wild Thyme, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Red Bartsia and Stemless Thistle.
More noticeable, the extravagant purple blooms of Knapweed and Greater Knapweed, tall white flowered Wild Carrot (with a few new pink-flecked flowers, which fit it’s alternate name of Queen Anne’s Lace – the lace maker pricked her finger, spotting it with red!). Wild Parsnip, and the remains of Woolly Thistle among the taller flowers in bloom.
Picking up a A-board blown over by the wind, a Dark Bush Cricket hops out from underneath, with an Early Thorn moth asleep on the underside!
The gusty conditions not ideal for farmland birds, but at sea 7 gleaming white Gannets, along with 2 more speckled juveniles pass by, with Oystercatcher, Razorbill, Great Black-backed Gull, Shag and Fulmar seen along the clifftop.
Looking like the weather will stay dry today, so why not join me this afternoon at 2.30 for a stroll to discover the making of Durlston’s landscape - no need to book, just come along to the Castle – have a look at the website for details…