May 2012

It has been an exciting and busy month for sightings! Migratory birds are gradually flocking back to the UK; Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, and Swallows have been seen and heard regularly in and around the village. We have been glad of the rain so that Swallows have mud to line their nests as well as greening-up the landscape after the dry period in March.

Fresh looking Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Small White, Peacock and Small Tortoisehell butterflies have been spotted.

Cowslips are starting to flower across Downland sites. The north-side of Bindon is a particularly good place to see these in abundance when in their prime. In hedgerows and woodlands across the Lulworth Estate Wood Anemone, Greater Stitchwort, Red Dead Nettle and Primroses flourish. Amongst these in milder pockets Bluebells are beginning to open up.

April and May are great months for spotting the six UK reptiles. An Adder made an appearance for one of our guided walks near Durdle Door car park. We have had several reports of these basking in the sunshine on nearby footpaths. Common lizards regularly scurry across the coast path just in front of us this time of year, often a spectacle for our school groups.

Two weasels were seen play-fighting in the road in the East Lulworth area one sunny April day, an unusual sight. It is thought that the name ‘weasel’ is from Anglo-Saxon origins from the word ‘weatsop’ meaning ‘a vicious bloodthirsty animal’. So do not be fooled by their cute appearance.

We have chosen Cowslip for the flower of the month. The attractive bright-yellow flowers have a honey-like scent.