The life that fills this verdant land is rich beyond compare
Impossible abundance fills the earth and sea and air
Our vibrant life could never die, this fate could not befall
Such thoughts are false, all things can die, and even Rome can fall
The Woodland paths were coated with a thin mat of Sycamore flowers this morning as I ascended into Durlston, the thin green rain continuing from above as I passed beneath the trees. Robins and a Song Thrush were singing away above and closer to earth I spied a few more Wrinkled Fieldcaps squatting on a pile of woodchip.
Venturing out into the Meadows I passed Ground Ivy, Globe Thistle and Honeysuckle on my way to Large Copse. Pale Flax and Yellow Rattle dominated the centre of the field with Chaffinches and Blackcaps singing from tree and hedgerow alike. Inside the small wood a few Dryads Saddle were growing on a log along with the usual False Turkey Tail.
The fog hung heavy as I continued on, shrinking my world to a sphere of a few hundred yards. Not a soul was to be seen, but the recent rains had given even more vigour to our already thriving wildlife. Tall Fescue stood high, with Rough Hawkbit and Birds Foot Trefoil nestling beneath.
Passing the Drove I noted Sow Thistle, Speedwell, Wild Carrot and Wild Parsnip flashing their colours. Whitethroats and Dunnocks fluttered around, with their songs giving way to those of Chiffchaffs and Skylarks as I approached Brian Johnstone Meadow. I turned towards the Downs and proceeded past Cocksfoot and Woody Nightshade, noting the increasing prevalence of Ox Eye Daises amid the meadow flowers.
I approached the pond, now completely dried up for a closer look. Yellow Flag was still flowering richly among the cracked mud of its bed and the area around it supported a healthy showing of Common Spotted Orchids. Dog Rose and Bramble were also flowering, with gorgeous patches of Eyebright to be seen as well.
Down by the Lighthouse I dropped beneath the bank of low cloud, my visibility expanding to several kilometres. Bee Orchids were on display, with Sandwich Terns, Kittiwakes and Gannets out on the water.
Check out the audio on today's diary for a fantastic piece of poetry courtesy of Heather Gibbons. Be sure to come to the Fine Foundation Gallery to take in her exhibition.