A mighty force now plies its course, its presence all but seen
It’s smelt and felt and heard while bird and insect flee the scene
Such power levied by the skies, that once were still and mild
So casually we are brushed aside, like a small, unruly child
I started my journey this morning in the Woodlands by the Aviary Glade, checking the trees along the path for any signs of wind damage. Where I could, I cast my gaze earthward. Heavy rain can only mean one thing: Fungi.
As well as the still luscious group of Branched Oyster, we have an impressive showing of Rooting Boletes all the way along Isle of Wight Road. This is capped off beautifully with a Red Cage Fungus on the timeline. I even stumbled across a colourful little specimen that I suspect is a Plums and Custard. Misleading as ever, this mushroom is quite inedible. Finally, I stumbled across yet another Mystery Fungi. ID coming soon.
After waiting for the passing of a brief shower I embarked again, this time towards the Large Copse, sadly free of interesting new fungi specimens. I did however spot what looked for all the world like a Ruddy Darter, its small deep crimson body flitting along the Wild Clematis of the hedgerow.
The wind was gusting powerfully against the tree line, keeping almost all flying creatures firmly grounded. Apart from the Darter, a few Gatekeepers made feeble attempts at flight and I spied a Painted Lady tumbling helplessly over the meadow, carried by forces beyond its comprehension.
I crossed Saxon Field to the Small Copse, striding over Field Scabious, Marjoram, Squinancywort and Wild Parsnip to again huddle for shelter within the trees. No fungi here either, save a few King Alfred’s Cakes that can be found all year round.
In spite of the wind I felt a strong desire to go seaward, and so struggled on. I’d say the wind was impeding my progress so that’s got to be a 7 on the Beaufort scale. I watched a Wood Pigeon attempt to fly in the face of the wind but a strong gust caught it up and flung it backward. A passing Jackdaw had more luck, hugging low to the earth in a sleek dive.
The waves were roaring against the cliffs as I finished my descent, rising into mountains of white foam before smashing with awesome force against sheer walls of Portland stone. Watching this it seemed clear why this material was so prized by builders. One force of nature resisted by another.