The section of coast path between the observation point and dolphin watchers hut looked far better than it did yesterday. That was thanks to the help of six young people from the Swanage Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme. Much of the material that had been washed down had been transported up hill to refill the potholes and scars that had formed. Yesterday we had observed significant Gannet activity off Durlston Head, this morning I observed one only heading west.
Fortunately, elsewhere the surface water had done less damage. It was pleasant to hear the gurgling of the winterbourne stream in the Aviaries Woodland. It wound its twisting path between the trees then under the bridge just passing the green carpet of Ramson leaves before spilling over the edge of the under cliff. Upright Chervil “blades” stood near the Sir Walter Scott bench. However, close to the former tennis courts the fresh buds, which appeared to be a pink / magenta (to me), indicated forthcoming Spring Crocus flowers. A quartet of Magpies briefly investigated the “tennis” lawn which had several felled tree stems resting upon it.
I admired the work of many people beside the diagonal path, throughout the woodlands and beside the coast path. My greatest delight was seeing the freshly rebuilt section of dry stone wall between on the woodland / Long Meadow boundary near Solent Road. Beside the meadow path a Blue Tit sang from the tips of a Wayfaring Tree. A trio of Blackbirds investigated the path side near the “Stagg” bench. The voices of Chaffinches, Robins and Great Tits were also heard. I admired the finger and thumb tip sizes buds of Horse Chestnut and the curious buds of Japanese Laurel.
As you would expect Squirrels scampered about and our Carrion Crows put in brief appearances on what was a wet morning. As I went to open the castle a Green Woodpecker and a Jay put in appearances. Finally Gannets were seen circulating off Durlston Head whilst a pair of Raven flew over the castle.