Blue skies, warm sunshine and walking through a hay meadow in mid July. Great to be back down south and at Durlston Country Park on the outskirt of Swanage.
I’ve often wondered if the traditional hay meadow as described by Prince Charles, David Attenborough etc. ever actually existed or was it like so many other environmental issues a cause célèbre with perhaps a touch of romanticism thrown in.
Ox-eye Daisies at Durlston Country Park
On the thin, lime-rich soils of Durlston the summer display is spectacular. Just difficult to believe that vast swathes of Merrie Olde England ever bore any resemblance to what is now amongst the finest hay meadows in the country.
Marbled White low down amongst the grasses.
With the number of Swallows hunting over the meadows probably the safest place to bask and warm the wings.
Rough Hawkbit and Greater Knapweed at Durlston.
The sheer abundance and range of species is really impressive and with so much pollen and nectar available the fields are alive with insects.
Woolly Thistle 
Marbled White on Greater Knapweed.
