27th May from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth

As the days merge into summer the world seems to step in closer. The trees are nearly full of foliage which fills the gaps between them. The green leaves reflect more of the sunlight so the wooded areas seem bigger and more dominant. The panorama seems warmer and envelopes the landscape. The horizon out beyond the bay is hazy and there are thin filmy clouds stretched across the blue sky. The sun is lazily warm and the chilly dawn breeze soon warms up. Young men carry essential supplies on their shoulders on the way to the beach and look like bearers setting out on a long expedition into the unknown. The tall grass stems nod with the weight of seed they are carrying.

From 27th May 2022

The intense, impeccably blue dome of the sky contrasts with the tender green edging of sweet chestnuts, limes and bracken. The sea is blue, darkening as it meets the horizon. The little waves fold lazily on the shore. The water is invigorating and provides an electric sparkle for the swimmers. A little breeze does not trouble the sun bathers. Most birds are dozing in the afternoon heat. Wood pigeons coo drowsily. #Bournemouth #westcliffgreen #may #summer

From 27th May 2021

It's always fun to try to catch that exact moment when one season slides into another. This year, because of the lateness of spring and despite the fact that it is June next week, there is no sign of summer yet. Although it has been warm in the sun under a largely blue sky this afternoon, in the shade of the pines it is decidedly chilly and there is still a crispness in the air which carries voices clearly from the bottom of the chine. The sea is slight and restful and little groups of holiday makers have erected their windbreaks on the beach. Flocks of pigeons wander about gorging themselves on the seeds from the long grasses. I have seen pigeon fill their crops so full of grain from harvest fields that they actually cannot fly. They are opportunists which make the best of things when there are rich pickings to be had. The council is aiding them in this be letting the grass grow tall in big clumps instead of mowing it. Unfortunately this means that the seeds are not distributed by the mowing and the roots are not encouraged to spread out. Meaning that there is a number of bare patches inhabited only by moss. The rhododendrons are in gorgeous full purple flower.