Walking up South Barn path one of the 10 access points to Durlston National Nature Reserve, the weather was split over the path. To the East a bright blue sky, to the West a dark angry looking slate grey sky. Yellow Fleabane lined the base of the hedge-line, Blue Sloes are becoming plumper and the Blackberries are changing colour, from green, brown, red to black, the brambles seeping across the path. Bright green ivy weaves its way along the hedge and juicy Apples are nearly ready to munch. Great Willowherb blows in the wind unprotected by the hedge.
As the season is changing and Autumn approaches the excitement of Autumn crafts, Green-wood working and Hedge-laying all fill my mind. South field as now been cleared of Ragwort, our work party did a fabulous job last week and we will hopefully be able to continue the task next week. An email should arrive to volunteers shortly about our next work group, if you are not signed up to receive them please email or phone us and we will add you to the list.
Autumn Lady’s Tresses, our latest orchid of the year are now showing beautifully, growing low to the ground they were slightly protected from the strong winds. Also around them Crosswort, Centuary, Wild Thyme, Salad Burnet, Eyebright and the seeds of Horseshoe Vetch.
With a 50mph max gust this morning and similar predicted today, a walk up on the downs proved tricky to even stand let alone, use binoculars or write notes. Watching the Herefords sheltering in the Northern slopes, the calves fluffy tummy hair blowing about as they watch me, Norse the Hereford bull was jumping around his large physic bouncing in joy. To my surprise I turned quickly as a wet, rough tongue licked by elbow, one of the females coming to say good morning, as she turned to lick her side a line of slobber flew in the wind right into my face. Thanks for that!
The blow hole is looking fantastic today and as the weather seems to be sunny blue sky’s on the coast, it’s a great day for a blustery walk, just make sure you have your small dog/child tied down!!