Late Summer Highlights

A few of the late summer highlights from Septembers trip down south.

Nettle leaved Bellflower growing at the memorial entrance to DWT’s Kilwood nature reserve. Also occurs along the roadside verge at the base of the Hazel hedge. Unfortunately no sign of the Hazel Dormouse although nationally Kilwood is one of their strongholds. The other bellflower seen was the far more common Harebell.

We did consider a trip over to Bindon Hill just east of Lulworth Cove for the Clustered Bellflower reputedly growing in the downland close to the top. However, at this time of the year the hill is accessible weekend only due to its location within the MOD firing range. Likewise the Fossil forest !

Nettle leaved Bellflower – Kilwood DWT, East Creech

Nettle leaved Bellflower – Kilwood DWT

Harebell – Bucknowle

In addition to the bellflowers the Teasel family also provided some late season interest with Durlston Country Park Field the venue for a spectacular display. Some quite impressive flocks of Goldfinch and a few Yellowhammers were seen taking advantage of the seedheads. Teasel – Durlston Country Park NNR Good to see plenty of Field Scabious on the south facing slopes of the downs. The photo’s below were taken just west of Corfe Castle.

Field Scabious – Bucknowle

Field Scabious – Bucknowle

Another speciality of the dry chalkland is the Carline Thistle. At first glance the brown and golden flower heads look like a withered daisy or a thistle that’s gone to seed, however a closer inspection reveals they’re in full flower.

Carline Thistle – Durlston Country Park NNR

A couple of Sundews from a quick visit to the National Nature Reserve at Morden Bog whilst the wife was shopping in Wareham. To be honest I was really looking for Hobby’s, Osprey and Smooth snakes. Although I managed to get a good view of the first two without the SLR and long lens on me as Harry Callahan once said  “a man’s got to know his limitations”.

Oblong leaved Sundew – Morden Bog NNR

Round leaved Sundew – Morden Bog NNR