The rocks breathe today
But their breath is not like ours
Air, water and salt
I set out from the Learning Centre under uncertain skies. Patches of blue poked through grey masses of cloud as I squelched through the muddy fallout of rainstorms past. Robins were pipping from seemingly every corner as I passed through Large Copse, with a Song Thrush performing in Saxon Field for my listening pleasure.
I found my mind wandering as I wandered through familiar Meadows. Life seemed to be in a state of suspended animation, with all but the most familiar faces absent from my route. Blue Tits flew low to the ground whilst higher up Wood Pigeons and Carrion Crows coasted the skies as naturally as I walked the paths. A few rubbery Field Blewits were squatting amid the grass, happy to grow out in the open and dine on whatever the soil had to offer. They certainly gave the impression that they gave no thought for the morrow, but “Consider the Field Blewit” doesn’t quite have the same poetic ring to it.
After enduring a brief passing shower I crested the Downs and snaked along the path past patches of recently cut Blackthorn, Bramble and Gorse. Hopefully at some stage we’ll reach a tipping point with the level of Roe Deer and Rabbit grazing that this work will no longer be needed. Hopefully someday I will render myself unnecessary, though it’s a strange thought to imagine being made redundant by a Rabbit.
A few stunted Ox Eye Daises were growing on the slope down to Lighthouse Green with the field itself supporting Common Toadflax and the husks of a few Carline Thistle. Alongside the ocean Sea Beet was as prolific as ever, and I approached the Tilly Whim Caves speculating what its fleshy leaves might taste like. I’m not that curious.
The blowhole was active, spreading a fine mist over the bottom of the steps as I ascended, the sound clear and crisp in the still morning air. It sounded like breath, the slow, deliberate exhaling of an enormous subterranean creature. At least that’s what it seemed to me.
Katie reported seeing a healthy mix of Dunnocks, Wrens and Blackbirds when she was out this morning. It’s always nice to see the regulars.