As Stuart and myself started our morning walk around Durlston it felt like we were late to the party, the sun was up and warm, the birds had already started singing and the Buff-tailed bumble bees were busying themselves around the Brambles. The woodland path was still and silent until a Wood Pigeon flapped its noisy wings and sprung from the Sycamores. A single Robin followed us down the path bobbing in and out of the Holm Oaks that line the woodchip path, until a burst of sunlight came through the tree canopy and we lost sight of our little follower. Spiders cobwebs hung across the corner of the castle finger post lit up by the morning sun, no inhabitants found.
As we strolled down towards caravan terrace a Squirrel rustled its way along a recently felled Holm Oak in the Dell, the bright sun bounced off the exposed limestone rock face and the clouded yellow Primroses were scattered amongst the short grass. Over the Dry Stone Wall looking towards Old Harry Rocks a Charm of Goldfinches flitted around a Sycamore tree, its buds just starting to show.
The warm sun shone over the calm still sea where 40 Guillemots and a surprising amount of 30 Razorbills were chattering on the gentle waves. The Fulmars were swooping in circles from the cliffs with grace and style and a Great Black-backed Gull glided effortlessly past us at eye level. The hedgerows are now starting to burst into white blossom from the Blackthorn tree and lime green leaves from the Hawthorn tree. Gorse flowers stand out in the sunshine amongst the greens and the smell of coconut from the flowers fills the air.
A very small Bunny Rabbit was playing a dangerous game munching on the grass where Adders are often spotted. As we approached the miles markers Stuart spotted two Kestrels perched on the ladder runs, until disturbed by the Jackdaws below. As we get further into spring wildlife is emerging from all around us, a Peacock butterfly was warming itself in the sunshine giving us a beautiful view of its decorative wings and we saw about 20 Mining bees volcanoes rising from the soil.
Returning back to the centre it is a hive of activity as we prepare for our annual Volunteer day, celebrating all the wonderful work they do, giving training and looking at the year ahead. If you would like to become a volunteer at Durlston Country Park then pop up and speak to one of our friendly rangers.