All along the Watchtower

From high on White Nothe servicemen during the Second World War would have scanned the horizon for any incoming enemy planes or boats looking to attack the important anchorage of Weymouth.  As with so many defencive features of the period, this pillbox come observation station doesn't fit into the standard Directorate of Fortifications and Works (FW3) design catalog, rather it's adapted to suit the tactical requirements of the location. Today though, the sky and sea are free of invaders or harassers and this monument to war is at peace, set in isolation on this coastal high point with spectacular views in both directions of the Jurassic coast.

Ringstead

History has it that the shingle bay at Ringstead, beneath White Nothe, the lofty chalk headland to the east of the bay, was a popular spot with smugglers to off load their contraband. They say that the smugglers then, with 2 barrels of brandy, one held on each shoulder or under each arm, would make their way up the narrow path to the summit 170m above before disappearing into the maze of valleys which lead inland.  People of the past must have been made of stern stuff, climbing the path is tough enough without the brandy or the fear of capture. The path is steep and narrow, twisting and turning, slippery in places and rocky in others, an unnerving traverse at the best of times, one section  features a sweeping grassy slope which gives way to a sheer cliff.  Exhilarating as the climb is and stunning as the views afforded from the summit are, the path never ceases to solicit a fear in me.

Break on through to the other side.

I've watched this section of Highland water change over recent years. Logs and debris have caused dams creating flooding and eventually break through, leaving newly formed small ox bow lakes, of the type we learnt about in geography.  Here though, it's not  an obstruction which has caused a break through, rather the force of the flow at a tight corner. It's taken 3 years to get to this point, in past years the water over ran the bank at this point only during the wet months, scouring the surface and exposing the roots of nearby trees.  Although now the water flows over the bank throughout most of the year and soon here too an ox bow lake will form.

Lyndhurst Hill

Log

On coming upon this large section of trunk I was surprised as in the last few days it had moved some 10m down stream from the spot it had inhabited since last winter. The stream must have been running at some bore after the recent rains to have shifted such a bulk of timber, and then returned to its normal seasonal level as swiftly as it had risen. A reminder of how fast natural circumstances can change and an easily forded stream can become a deadly torrent and impassible obstacle.

Trumpets

 

A nice find, Trumpets Craterellus cornucopioides. This small black funnel shaped fungi, commonly found in Beech and Oak woodland, is prized for it's flavour when dried. Although listed as common, they are hard to find in amongst the leaf litter and can be easily overlooked.

Another day, another sunset

White Stags

I was lucky enough today to come across two young white Stags whilst walking in Great Huntley Bank. There are quiet a few white deer throughout the forest, though it's more common that I see white Does, so two Stags was a privilege.  They were wary of us and moved fast through quiet dense forest, so getting a clean photo of them was difficult and even after stalking them for some time this was the best I could manage.

Hurry on Sundown

See what tomorrow brings.

Hedgehogs

This years late summer/autumn mushroom season has been fair, I've seen good showings of Oyster, Wood Blewits and Parasols amongst others. I've gathered plenty of Ceps too, though leaving ample for the forest dwellers. I've also got a good quantity dried to use through until next season; dried Ceps last well, 2 or more years easily.  Today though it was the Hedgehog mushroom, Hydnum repandum, which filled my gathering sack. I do favour the Hedgehog and although a lot had gone over there were still ample for collection. Easy to spot and hard to misidentify, having neither gills, nor sponge, rather spines, they are always welcome in any fungi hunters basket.

The fallen

More trees had succumbed to the recent storms that I had at first thought.  Walking through the stands one comes across a fallen leviathan all too often. Huge trees, several hundred years old in some cases, now lay prostrate and begin their journey back to the earth, a journey which will take several decades. One thing that strikes me when investigating fallen trees is how unsubstantial their root ball and root systems often are compared with the size if the tree.  Take the Beech above, a mighty tree, 10's of meters high, yet it's root ball looks tiny in proportion; it would appear that although a trees root system may be extensive it is not substantial.  Whatever the cause or contributing factors, seeing fallen trees is always sad.

Mark Ash Autumn

The forest is a riot of glorious autumn colours, all the hues of fall are represented. The woodland floor is carpeted in crisping leafs, which swirl amongst the stands like leaf devils driven by gusting chill winds, the same winds which brake the bracts of their remaining brethren in the thinning canopy high above sending them  cascading downward through thinning branches to join the melee.  Autumn is another of natures wonders and a gift to be enjoyed.

Autumn Stream

Secret path

Almost hidden by the grasses and sedges, a narrow secret path, deep cut, leads through the young trees. on the edge of the common ravaged by fire a few years back, though surrounding vigorous growth hides that fact. I enjoy the enclosed feeling you get walking these obscure little walked paths, they promote an air of mystery and escape from the modernity of life, allowing you to imagine what walking the wildwood must have felt like.

Wood Blewit

I found a Wood Blewit today amongst the tall Beech which border Highland water below Roman Bridge, a much sought after mushroom, listed as excellent in the field guides, it was a welcome find.  There were several others just emerging from the leaf litter, not ready for picking yet maybe, but a spot worth remembering in the next few days.

Barton sunset

After several minutes of discussion and impassioned explanation, 'It's just a sunset, it happens every night' the youth replied, still missing the point.

Spout

As if a concrete whale was loitering by the shore this submerges pillbox, a fallen and fading remnant of the war, spouts water into the air every time a wave rushes through the open embrasures forcing water up through a small hole in the roof.  This is a recent phenomena since the surrounding beach level has dropped exposing more of the pillbox and allowing water to enter the interior.

Remembered

Portuguese fireplace at Milliford Bridge, where Portuguese forces during the First World War were drafted in to provide forestry labour, providing wood for the trenches.  Men were needed to help in the forest as the local population had been greatly diminished. The fire place is all that remains of the cook house, the mill, the accommodation, even the woodland train that carried the wood to the mill from the enclosures has long since disappeared. There are some other ephemeral features, although you could easily pass and never know of the areas wartime industry.

White Shoot

After the rain

The grey clouds, heavy with chilling rain have now passed, having deposited their loads on the forest they head east. Now the Sun shines, causing the damp forest to glisten as if covered by tiny jewels. The elements can transform the forest with amazing speed.

Pannage continues about the forest

Pannage continues and the pigs still appear to have plenty to eat. Here at Alum Green a group of 20 or so pigs, from piglets through juveniles, let by an imposing black sow snuffle through the fallen leafs for tasty treats.  

Autumns march

Autumns march towards winter continues at a pace as the thick canopies which shielded the forest from the summer Sun, now faded into a plethora of rustic hues, thin and fall. The forest is beautiful.