Strength in union, stand as one
All hardships can be overcome
Cells in our bodies work together
And rise to face every endeavour
Our life and land displays this wisdom
The natural world, a United Kingdom
I woke up this morning with a desire to convey a message of unity in my diary for today. Fortunately, Durlston provided ample inspiration for that purpose. Walking in via Long Meadow I surveyed the treeline. Holm Oak, Ash and Sycamore stood tall and proud in the morning sunshine. The transpiration from trees provides stability to the water cycle and shelter to other plants, a pillar of so many ecosystems.
Oakmoss and Old Man’s Beard Lichen were hosted on their branches and trunks. A symbiosis of Fungi and Algae, the former provides structure and protection, the latter sugar from photosynthesis. We should all be thankful to those who work hard to supply us with our food.
Turning to the downs amid the calls of Dunnock and Green Woodpecker, I passed a pile of bark chip hosting a Dogs Vomit Slime Mould. During times of abundance these organisms function as independent entities, but when resources are scarce they group together to form the visible structures we see. Individuals sacrifice themselves for the good of the group.
On the grassland Yellow Meadow Ant hills held firm despite the recent heavy rains. Though designed to resist flooding if the lower passages fill with water, the worker ants transport the eggs and larvae away from the water to safe havens, caring for those who cannot care for themselves.
Wren, Chaffinch, Skylark and the first Chiffchaff I’ve heard this year were all singing happily in the warm sunshine. A Cock and Hen Pheasant strutted together beside blooming Gorse as I turned to head to Anvil Point Lighthouse. After offering directions to a walker I checked on the floating raft of Guillemots and Razorbills below. Landward an Adder could just be discerned slithering over the vegetation above the Tilly Whim Caves. Even a predator like the Adder depends on its ecosystem to provide camouflage.
Please remember the example set by the natural world. We all need each other. Be sure to offer any help and support you can to your friends and neighbours, and do not be afraid to ask for help yourself. All for one and one for all.