A frozen world is woken by a warm, loving embrace
And all that lives here owes it’s thanks to sunshine’s gentle grace
It coaxes, nurtures, nourishes, attentive as a mother
Her gentle clasp becomes more firm until it starts to smother
The brightness of her love intensifies and becomes glaring
It falls and falls relentlessly, no fraction she is sparing
All that lives because of her must weather now this storm
Burned away by the same force that first gave them their form
A warm night gave way to another day of blue skies and sunshine, the heat already growing oppressive hours before midday. Seeking the cool shelter of the Woodlands I ignored the squabbling of Magpies and Wrens, enjoying instead the gentle sea breeze blowing in from the observation points along Isle of Wight Road. Enchanters Nightshade and Privet showed their white flowers, with little masses of Herb Robert flashing pink from the crevices of Dry-Stone-Walls.
I headed next for the Clifftops, Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns a constant presence throughout my journey. Beside the Observation Point a pair of birdwatchers directed me to a rare treat. Four Kestrels were perched together on the ledge just beneath us. After taking in this delightful family scene I carried on, Wild Madder to my left and Whitethroats singing to my right. I also detected the strains of what I believe was a Great Green Bush Cricket among the long grass.
Ladies Bedstraw became increasingly common as I passed the Lighthouse and made my way back towards the Learning Centre. This plant is traditionally used as a colouring agent in Double Gloucester cheese. It wasn’t the only notable colour on display, with Birds Foot Trefoil well earning its other name of Eggs and Bacon by flashing red and yellow. Golden Samphire was also showing the first signs of coming in to flower, with Biting Stonecrop already in bloom.
I finished my ascent up past the Quarr, the long grass peppered with Common Sorrel and thick with more chirping. Based on my limited knowledge, I’d say Roesel’s Bush Cricket and Meadow Grasshopper for the performers. Take a listen for yourself.