The loud tweetering of a Chaffinch welcomed me into the woodland this morning. I walked through the large oak pillars and followed the winding footpath; lined with Ramsons and Three Cornered Leek.
Cow Parsley towers over the dry stone walls, topped with it’s lovely bouquets of white flowers. The leaves of Ivy and Herb Robert can be seen peering out from between the stones, ready to claim the newly constructed wall as their own.
Further along the coastpath, a Robin calls out from the hedge of Blackthorn. All of a sudden he appears. Confidently flying out towards me, and settling on a stone that reads ‘Rest and Admire’. I wonder if it’s the same chap that has been watching us walling here – ready to gobble up any juicy Earthworms or other insects uncovered whilst digging in the soil.
Caravan Terrace is quiet, with the exception of the brisk wind blowing through the trees and over the wave crests below. The Sun is shining brightly as it rises towards the Northeast now, lighting up the white limestone beds exposed along the cliff face.
On my return across the bridge, I peer over into the Dell, where we had spent the day before tidying up. Clear of brash, the Hart’s Tongue Ferns stand out well. Erupting like little unfurling volcanoes of green.
I walk round the headland and startle a bunch of Jackdaws and Rock Doves. They leap to flight above a bloom of Sea Thrift, Ribwort Plantain, and Horseshoe Vetch, all thriving in the salty sea air.
Many Guillemots and Razorbills can be seen floating below the cliffs. The strong breeze lifts a small swell, spreading them far apart and uneasy to count. More birds jump down from the ledges, and immediately get carried by the wind. They turn into it at the last second, slowing their flight, before plopping into the sea.
On my return up the hill I can hear the jolly song of a Blackcap singing from a nearby patch of Gorse – emitting a sweet coconutty scent from it’s bright yellow flowers.