27th March from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth
The year is clinging on to the cold for as long as it can. A sharp wind and grey, lumpy sky. The green sea slumps onto the beach as if it is tired of the whole thing. Gulls call, pigeons coo. Robins sing. After lunch the sun does manage to break through for a little while but walkers demand more and shiver in the cliff top shelter. Along the side of the path a fine clump of mallow joins all the other large leafed green plants such as thistles and wild carrot. The Common Mallow is the ancestor of the hollyhock and lavatera a favourite of gardeners and will grow to over a metre tall. Sadly this one will be felled next time the council workers tidy up the edge of the path. The air is filled with the scent of three cornered leeks and the fine yellow powder of pine pollen.
From 27th March 2022
A warm day and a cold evening. Picnickers now spread their tartan rugs on the grass. The first Green Woodpecker I have heard this year. Its laughing call gives it its common name of yaffle. A small clump of Star of Bethlehem pokes through the clifftop fence to decorate the path. #bournemouth #westcliffgreen #spring #March
From 27th March 2014
Slowly, tantalisingly, the day eases out of the darkness. The sea and sky meet in a sombre pewter backdrop to the still black trees on the cliff. Now cloud edges emerge against the palest of blue skies. Orange street lights still light the empty paths across the green. It is my day and I am in it alone.
