Durlston Diary: Sunday, 27 May 2018
Weather: Sunny and warm
As I head out from the Castle, the rain, so heavy upon my arrival, suddenly stops. The sun clears the clouds, resulting in a nearby Chiffchaff and Great Tit calling out their respective joy. Approaching the woods, there is the gentle sound of raindrops falling from the trees. A Blackbird checks the path for worms.
In Long Meadow, Meadow Buttercups stand tall amongst the glimmering grasses, raindrops catching in the sun. Ground Ivy, smelling divinely like mint, in whose family it belongs, grow fuzzily along the path; its flowers, small lilac trumpets, catch the eye. Nearby, Bittersweet Nightshade demand attention, it’s petals a rich purple with bright yellow noses.
Cow Parsley create dapples of white amongst the woodland greens, while Winter Heliotrope looking like giant forest lily pads, blanket the floor. The heavy rains have not diminished the sweet garlic scents of the Wild Ramsons, who send up tantalising wisps as I pass. Overhead can be heard the rambunctious calls of Robins, Blue Tits, Chaffinches and Crows. Before me a Magpie swoops over the path.
Three Cornered Leek is growing in abundance. Easily mistaken for a white Bluebell, up close its flowers are beautiful and delicate, with a single green strike through its leaves and a centre of stamen like minuscule butterballs. A single European Spindle hangs over a wall, its gleaming berries akin to oversized cranberries.
As I walk out along Coast Path, heading towards the foot of the Castle, Old Harry’s chalky face shines brightly from the distance. The sun’s full strength drying out the last damp from my trousers and making my open raincoat feel over warm. Along the sea wall are golden Birdsfoot Trefoil and furry green Hairy Ox Tongue. Out towards the cliff edge I spot Thrift, with its spheres of pale pink flowers, blowing gently in the breeze.
At the Viewing Platform, a cheeky black Crow sits above a bright blue Plesiosaur out for Durlston’s fantastically enjoyable Dangerous Dinosaurs and Funky Fossils Trail. Sea Campion, resembling a richly detailed egg of green and taupe with an explosion of white petals out the top, sway above the Guillemot cliff. Below, a single dark Shag sits on a rock protruding from the sea, unbothered by the gentle waves, watching the swaying waters.
Diary written by Rosaline McGraffin