English (naturalised) Wall Lizards in one of the many quarries to be found along the Dorset coastline.
With up to 80 separate populations across southern England the Wall Lizards are far more mobile and active than either the Common or Sand Lizard. In our normally cool, damp climate they’re restricted to sun drenched rock faces and cliffs. Certainly wouldn’t last long in northern England !
Thrift growing close to the quarry edge
A sun-drenched quarry overlooking the English Channel just up the coast from Sandbanks. Not a bad place to call home.
A young Wall Lizard hiding from the local Kestrels
Fortunately they’re too inquisitive to stay hidden for long. A fact that hasn’t been lost on the local Kestrels !
Herring Gull
Hmmm…..another local taking an unhealthy interest. Possibly just dropping in ?
A 10 minute video of a pair of Wall Lizards enjoying the sunshine.
Female Wall Lizard (foreground)
A pair of Wall Lizards with the vivid green male being particularly striking.
Wild Cabbage on the Dorset coast
A superb specimen of the increasingly rare Wild Cabbage. In comparison to our modern cultivars really noticeable just how tough the leaves are. I suspect even the Large Whites struggle eating this one.