The tumble jumble woodland looks a mish mash muddled mess
With drifts of leaves and ivy sleeves and plant life in distress
Windblown timber, stubby scrub and birds that screech and scream
In the tumble jumble woodland total chaos reigns supreme
Walking through the aftermath of yesterdays rain I crossed the threshold of the damp pavement into the Woodlands. Treading the log bordered trail to the bridge I passed swathes of Comfrey, the pale yellow flowers and dark green leaves forming a thick covering over the forest floor. The odd Garlic Mustard protruded up through the mass, with Herb Robert flowers spiralling out of the cracks in dry stone walls further up. Goldfinches, Chaffinches and Wrens could be heard throughout my travels, taking turns to chirp against the background of gently rolling waves.
Crossing down through the Car Park to the Castle I spent some time looking at the patchwork grass so recently nourished by the rain. Some parts had recovered almost fully, deep green blades reaching up with renewed vigor. Other areas ran the gamut from swelling browns to sodden yellow hay, crushed lifeless and bleeding back into the soil.
Passing the cornucopia of Mock Orange flowers I stared deeper into the Woodlands. Fallen trees, dense leaf litter, underbrush and haphazard trunks were all thrown together in a mish-mash of biomass that looked decidedly untidy. This is a hallmark of natural unmanaged woodland, vaguely reminiscent of a teenagers bedroom.
Passing down by the Dell I took a look among the leaf litter and happened upon what I believe was a Crab Spider. It’s a little hard to tell since that species can change colour to match their environment. It certainly looked well camouflaged. Enchanters Nightshade and Broad Leaved Dock were growing nearby, as well as a good showing of Hartstongue Ferns.
Ambulating along the Coast Path I enjoyed the pleasing sight of a small sailboat silently plying the waves. As I was watching a Kestrel flew past the Globe, braking abruptly mid flight and transitioning into a perfect hover. Kidney Vetch and Yellow Wort lined the landward slopes, while on the lighthouse green Squinancywort and Eyebright were both in flower. Be sure to take a moment to admire these miniature marvels if you’re passing through, they’re quite beautiful.