22nd May from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth

A grey, lumpy poragey sky coagulates into slabs and slats and allows the sun beam through from time to time. The wind is strong but the waves are slight and restful as they smooth along the sand. The day is warm. Apparently the ribwort plantain is the most common plant in Europe and it is definitely making the best of the weather this year. It is growing taller and stronger than most other plant on the clifftop. The hogweed is growing up and overtaking. All sorts of finches dash about in the bushes as if they can’t decide where they would prefer to be. A cyclist in a fluourescent waistcoat sizzles by causing elderly walkers to jump aside. “Mad” says someone. “Selfish” says another.

From 22nd May 2022

An afternoon warm enough for a swim. The evening crisp and clear. The last honey rays of the sun cascade over the topmost branches of the dark pines and drip down the faces of the tall apartment blocks. Far out in the bay they pick out the little boats, red and white and their long wakes as they head for home. The bright yellow evening primrose spikes appear as though out of nowhere and twining through the low branches of the bushes the curly stems of travellers joy. #bournemouth #westcliffgreen #summer #May

From 22nd May 2014

The acid lemony light as the sun tries to outdo the the louring black clouds across the bay glitters briefly at the raindrops on the soaked grass. The small branches of the ilex shift uneasily in the chill dawn breeze. It is something out of a painting by John Everett Millais.