A blustery but sunny day with the threat of rain saw a wonderful turn out of people for our annual flower walk and tea party. The beach was in full display and our guides had plenty to show, find and talk about.

As always the Valerian and Silver Mayweed were in profusion, but their abundance is affecting the lower growing plants and some species usually found were missing in the shade of these massive plants.

This year, however, the Starry Clover has spread to new locations along the banks of the Fort and to the rear of the houses on the beach, Vipers Bugloss was out early and some of the Horned Poppies had already flowered and seeded. Seaside daisies, as always cheerfully faced the sun and the stonecrops flowered in the drier spaces close to the Burrells.

This splendour was then supported by tea and cakes courtesy of Mark and Michelle, who generously lent us the use of their beach front garden again

Very quickly this splendour will be replaced by dried seed heads as the warmth of summer reduces the water available to the plants, so if you missed it this year, then come along to next year’s extravaganza of bloom