Due to the wind I undertook a dangerous tree inspection through the woodlands. Fortunately, only two broken limbs were seen which were not immediately dangerous and will be attended to. I can recommend the castle and the cliff tops for weather and wave watching today! From the three couples bench I could see the white water off Peveril Point but nothing beyond through the mist! Off the sea cliffs I only saw two separate Guillemots amongst the swell whilst a pair of Herring Gulls and one Fulmar flew in semi circles cliff side. A Great Black Back Gull was earlier seen inland heading west flying over the amphitheatre.
A Jay flew across the approach road and released a squawking call. For a change thirty Jackdaws rose up from long meadow and performed an aerial dance before heading for the coast. Piles of cut grass and Bramble showed how parts of the overgrown overflow carpark were beginning to be recovered. Such a difference was seen through the woodland with wonderful areas letting light into the floor. I had to admire the robust and bushy Dead Hedge beneath Holm Oak and made from the cutting of said tree. This feature will deter young adventurers from get near the edge of the undercliff.
Within the woodland two competing birds’ songs created and echo or “dub” like performance.
On a phenology note Hawthorn blossom had open beside the approach road. I was delighted see Viburnum flowers also open. Meanwhile a Wayfaring Tree’s buds were only showing signs of opening whilst their rabbits’ ear like bracts amused me. In the woods large buds eager to open, most likely Sweet Chestnut, resembled bandaged fingertips! At the base of a Holm Oak trunk a pool of frothy bubble water looked like miniature frog spawn or sago pudding. All around tree swayed stem creaked of rubbed, leaves rustle and much dripping was heard! The Woodland winterbourne was in a healthy flow albeit a muddy colour! Beside Solent Road beneath Hawthorn stood firm a stem of a Common Broomrape still with fleshy flowers from last year.
Doug gave a fungi report that in the woodlands upon log wood he saw Scarlet Elf Cups and Rosie Crust whilst Glistening Ink Caps may be found towards the castle.