It’s a beautiful late Spring day here in Dorset. The temptation to leave the desk and computer and head off for a walk along the coast is almost overwhelming and I may well succumb shortly.
But first I’d just like to draw your attention to a wonderful book which is published today.
“Summer: an anthology for the changing seasons” has been compiled and edited by the multi-talented Melissa Harrison and is the second of four books being published this year by Elliott and Thompson, in aid of the Wildlife Trusts. Buy it from NHBS or from your local bookshop.
I am immensely proud to say that I have written one of the contributions – and it’s sandwiched between one from the great Philip Larkin and one from another great, nature poet and writer (amongst many other things) Paul Evans. Other contributors range from George Eliot to Mike McCarthy, Gilbert White to Jo Cartmell, Richard Adams to Megan Shersby.
I’ve written about a particularly memorable summer of nature in my life, a long time ago. I will publish the piece on here, but not yet.
I hope you will all go and buy the book and enjoy dipping into its many treasures.
a new nature blog 
Coney Island
Coming down from Downpatrick
Stopping off at St. John’s Point
Out all day birdwatching
And the craic was good
Stopped off at Strangford Lough
Early in the morning
Drove through Shrigley taking pictures
And on to Killyleagh
Stopped off for Sunday papers at the Lecale District,
Just before Coney Island
On and on, over the hill to Ardglass
In the jam jar, autumn sunshine, magnificent
And all shining through
Stop off at Ardglass for a couple of jars of
Mussels and some potted herrings in case
We get famished before dinner
On and on, over the hill and the craic is good
Heading towards Coney Island
I look at the side of your face as the sunlight comes
Streaming through the window in the autumn sunshine
And all the time going to Coney Island I’m thinking,
Wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time.
Songwriter: VAN MORRISON
Coney Island lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Enjoy your coastal walk, Miles!
I lived in a house overlooking that harbour on Kildare Quay for a year.
Many a walk down to St John’s Point.
And many a pint at the Ann Boal on the way back.
I loved your piece on ‘the wild places where the shore dock lives’, Miles.
thanks Julian.