Dressed in regal colours, red as blood and black as coal
The Admirals of Durlston are heading out on their patrol
A very mild and humid morning with a heavy, overcast sky. I decided to have a closer look around the verges of the Car Park to see what flora were on display. Close to the earth on the well mown patches were layers of purple Self Heal and white Clover flowers, interspersed with yellow Medic. A few rouge Spear Thistle protruded here and there, as well as a solitary stunted Burdock. From the undergrowth of Blackthorn and Bramble emerged Knapweed and Field Scabious, as well as Wild Parsnip stems. Pretty impressive for just one verge.
The short, sharp chirps of House Sparrows cut the air behind me and the dull roar of a Jumbo Jet above the clouds. A Carrion Crow bobbed along the grass as I approached the Timeline. I counted 8 Red Cage Fungi, including 2 just emerging from their earth star casings, as well as two Lurid Boletes. The rain does wonders for the mushroom population.
After passing a rather impressive looking Pterodactyl I decided to head down by the cliffs. The scent of Buddleia filled the air as did the fluttering wings of Gatekeepers and Red Admirals. Sycamore saplings poked their fresh young leaves towards the meagre sunlight and my ears pricked in response to the distinctive yaffle of a Green Woodpecker.
A Wren called out from the undergrowth as I rounded Durlston head, the familiar border of Tamarisk trimmed to expose the sea view. Shags criss-crossed the waves below, and Jackdaws circled above. Meadow Barley and Charlock waved from side to side in the breeze.
I decided I’d seen enough and headed back through the woodlands to the learning centre. Fresh outgrowths of Hairy Stearum and Turkey Tail lined the logs beside the path. Stay tuned for more fungi updates.