Ancient ways from ancient days, lines that mark out hides
Ways once walked by Saxons, Brits and many more besides
New ages came, of stone, of steam and still these ways were trod
By common folk and wagon spoke and horses freshly shod
Then finer folk of good queen Vic would promenade along
These ancient ways were quite the craze for the London tourist throng
The paths are new, the ways have changed, but in time all things do
The ancient ways see brand new days, new things to take us to
The rain was coming down gently but steadily as I made my way up to the park this morning. After a quick footwear substitution I headed out to the Large Copse. Goldfinches were chirping softly and I spied a Dunnock wiggling into a patch of bramble as I approached. Within the shelter of the Black Pines Turkey Tail was flourishing on several fallen logs, with a Wood Mushroom pushing up from among the forest floor. I’d hoped to find some more pine specific fungi but was sadly disappointed.
Back out in the Meadows I spied a few Yellow Fieldcaps and Field Mushrooms growing as I crossed the Saxon Field heading seaward. A Blackbird’s alarm call rang out from the undergrowth, then fell abruptly silent. Overhead a flock of around fifty thrush sized birds coalesced and flew overhead, the swish of their wings rising then falling as they passed over. I didn’t catch a flash of red so I’m not sure what they were. More practice needed.
Unhooking the gate I noted the emerging Winter Heliotrope by the dry stone wall and continued my stroll above the Gulley. A few purple Knapweed were to be seen still, but most plants seemed to be dying back. The Wild Clematis in particular was falling victim to the season. Not dead enough for my taste.
Taking the Butterfly Transect route I stumbled across a couple more fungi specimens of interest. A Mottlegill of some sort (possibly an Egghead) and what might have been a Haresfoot Inkcap. Also on display was a single Ox Eye Daisy and a few white Yarrow flowers.
Arriving at the Cliffs I noted a couple of Thrift still in bloom as I made my way up to the Tilly Whim Caves. Ivy was blooming on the dry stone walls here, small, delicate yellow flowers that will sustain nectar feeders through the leaner months. I paused for a split second as I took my first step onto the new path. I was on a new path at Durlston, how poetic.