Blackthorn blossom near the Centre have lost their petals presumably because they have been pollinated! Some Ash trees had flowers and leaves although most only had the later. I finally found a good cluster of Sycamore which had developed leaves and wonderful hanging lantern flowers near caravan Terrace Bridge. Indeed one young tree initially appeared as if it were hosting Hops flowers. Fresh leaves helped identify Poplar amongst the reservoir copse trees. Clear compound flowers (rather Cow Parsley like) had developed upon Wayfaring Tree beside Long Meadow and Horse Chestnut flowers can still be enjoyed.
Amongst the verges I saw my first Tufted Vetch flowers of the year with Ground Ivy also in show. I had to pop into the Aviaries and was rewarded to see the Ramson’s in flower although I smelt no garlic scent on the air. A couple of short, stunted Green Winged Orchids were seen in the wet bottom corner of Long Meadow, and although some robust spotted basal rosettes were seen (not as many as last year) no other orchids were in flower. Pale Fax is in flower along with Red Clover and as yet unidentified Buttercup.
A fishing vessel could be heard in Durlston Bay. Under a coastal Holm Oak copse it was quiet and sterile whilst bird song rang out from the neighbouring deciduous tree cover including Chiff Chaff, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Great Tit, Wren and Robin. At present we have two tree swings beside the coast path from our wild play day which have been left to be enjoyed. Clearly our apprentices have been active again cutting low lying vegetation reclaiming more coast path and exposing the adjacent dry stone wall. Off Dulston Head I noted to Guillemots turning back from whence they came! A good one hundred Guillemots were in a raft off the observation point with some five Razorbills seen amongst them. Again off the head either a Peregrine or Merlin was briefly seen heading out to see with slow wing beats for a change!
DUE TO CLOUD TONIGHTS STARGAZING HAS BEEN CANCELLED - APOLOGIES FROM THE RANGERS & WESSEX ASTRONOMY