Once masters of fair Albion
Our kind has waned and died
Our grassy homes are almost gone
Drowned in an iron tide
But still we sing like days of old
And here, new strength we gain
We shall not lie down dead and cold
The Larks will rise again
I wasted no time in striking out for the meadows this morning, crossing South Field past swaying Meadow Barley and a few Red Clover flowers. Common Vetch and Grass Vetchling were also growing in abundance, creating a pleasant layer of pink with purple above. No sooner had I entered Saxon Field than I was treated to the highlight of my morning, a Skylark rising in display above me. It was the first time I had seen one display this close to the Car Park and hopefully is a sign that their numbers are swelling. I really hope this is the case.
I continued onwards across the Drove and made my way past encroaching Wild Clematis and the most stalwart of our Pyramidal Orchids, though their flowers were beginning to brown. Arriving at the Heron Ground Meadow Bindweed began to proliferate, with Yellow Rattle, Wild Parsnip and Hedge Bedstraw also present.
Up in the air our Lepidopteron population was booming, with Meadow Brown, 6 Spot Burnet moth, Gatekeeper and Marbled White all abundant with the odd Red Admiral adding a touch of the regal to the mix. I also sighted a few Whitethroats and a Blackcap, the distinctive brown plumage on its head clearly identifying it.
Continuing on to the Downlands Squinancywort grew close to the ground alongside Wild Thyme and Eyebright. A few Fleabane were just starting to flower after first appearing months ago. They’ll be with us for a while yet. I also took another moment for some birdwatching. Goldfinches were passing overhead, with Great Tit and Dunnock seen among the Blackthorn and scrawny Elder scrub. As I moved off, I startled a pair of Blackbirds, their small orange beaks and brown feathers a dead giveaway. Seriously, who names these birds?