Coast Encounters

Anvil Point Lighthouse, Durlston Country Park

Another glorious sunny and warm day – we really have been lucky to have picked the best couple of weeks of the year to head down south. In contrast to up north the parched landscape suggests its been a good summer in the south of England. A shame that further north it fizzled out in June.

Anvil Point

Just incredible, hardly a blade of green grass to be found. Unfortunately very few wild flowers or insects either. However, an evening visit did reveal a few Glow-worms close to the lighthouse.

Herring Gull, Anvil Point

With a breeding colony of Guillemots and other auks to be found on the lower cliffs plenty of Herring Gulls on the lookout for an easy meal.

Cormorants on a 180 million year old, guano-covered ledge
Sea Asters, a valuable source of nectar for migrating insects

Semi-succulent and able to tolerate salt air and drought like conditions the Sea Asters are a valuable source of nectar for the various late-flying butterflies, especially Red Admirals.

Sea Campion, also known as Dead Man’s Bells

Deceptively tough and found growing on the edge of the cliff tops. The common name of Dead Man’s Bells is probably quite appropriate – definitely one to avoid picking.

         

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