What a wonderful night we had at our ‘Friends of Durlston’, Summer Do! It was so lovely to see so many Friends and new faces and catch up on the last year of events. To end the evening a spot of Glow Worm watching around the Learning Centre where 5 were seen.
Looking up towards Taskers Meadow a Roe Deer’s back was shining golden brown amongst the light brown meadow. Above a Kestrel flew towards the sea and Sparrows filled the morning air. I could hear a Robin chirping from the undergrowth and when it finally appeared it was a juvenile with its chest still patchy orange.
As I waited for a stone delivery for our Dry stone wallers to complete the ‘Cocks and Hens’ on one of the many walls being restored across the woodlands, the sound of a Green Woodpecker was prominent and Blue Tits moved around the lower branches.
I decided to take a little break and relax for a moment in the sky hammocks, I watched the speckled clouds against the bright blue sky, outlined by English Oak, Holm Oak, Sycamore and Elm trees, a wonderful place to watch the world go by. Overhead a Goldfinches flew and a Wood Pigeon landed in a nearby tree. Today is the ‘Wild Play Day’ do come along anytime between 10am and 4pm, there will be lots of activities for children of all ages to do.
The Buddleia outside the Castle has been fantastic recently for butterflies, today a gorgeous Red Admiral sat on the purple flower and a Painted Lady flitted around. Such a wonderful time for butterflies at the moment, we have a lovely Butterfly trail going along the accessible Tramper route for all to enjoy, you can purchase a trail pack from the Castle 10am-4pm. Back towards the centre a Buzzard was slowly spiralling further and further up, a lovely end to my walk.