Long and sharp the Blackthorns spines protrude from every limb
All winter long they’ve stood in lines on branches dark and grim
Proud is the Blackthorn, stalwart to, it always holds its ground
Its spiny shield let’s little through, its armour is renowned
But when spring comes Blackthorn will wear some different finery
A flowing gown so white and fair, the Blackthorn blooms for me.
The rain was falling slow and steady this morning at the park. Not enough to make a downpour, but too much to just ignore. I was joined on my stroll by a keen volunteer and environmental science student named Carla. We headed out to the woodlands in search of some cover, past the yellows of Lesser Celandine and the blues of Field Speedwell, both glistening with a coating of tiny water droplets.
Bird activity was a little dampened. The usual harsh chirps of House Sparrows resonated round the Learning Centre, and a few Chaffinches and Magpies fluttered around the Car Park. We soon gained the cover of the canopy, the expansive boughs of Beech, Sycamore and Holm Oak proving a most efficient umbrella.
Spring continues its inexorable march, with rich patches of Ransoms and Dog Violets flourishing in the milder weather, and a Wren flitting around an upturned tree stump. I was also pleasantly surprised to see a small patch of Scarlet Elf Cup encrusting the log border of the footpath. This species fruits from early winter to early spring and is a pleasant sight until the fungi bonanza of late summer arrives.
Our travels led us down the Time Line and on to the Coast Path, with a few Shags on and over the water for company. Primroses were in flower along Caravan Terrace, with fresh green leaves emerging from the Buddleia there as well. A few Great Periwinkle flowers further along added additional colour to the spring palette.
An observer taking shelter in the Dolphin Hut reported sightings of Common Scoter, presumably part of their spring migration. Further inland, the tones of Dunnocks and Chiffchaffs were clearly audible, though I was unable to spot the singers themselves. Returning via the Diagonal Path, we passed a number of newly blossoming Backthorn, the crowds of white flowers beginning to open at long last.