On the paths
While you’re walking in Cornwall, it’s almost instinctive to scan the horizon, gazing out to sea in the hope of seeing dolphins or rare seabirds. We all do it; however, don’t forget to pause and look down at the smaller and closer wonders of nature, some right next to your feet.
In early spring, the Cornish hedges and paths suddenly burst into colour, as the bluebells, red campion and buttercups come into flower. The delicate white flowers of the three-corned leek add bright little accents to the hedgerows, as well as a pungent, culinary aroma.
Small and fluttery wings also make an appearance in springtime. Tortoiseshell and orange tip butterflies are early heralds of summer, and can be seen around our Cornish coastal walks. The damselflies also start to flit around wetter areas in late spring.
On a sunny day, look out for brown and black common lizards basking on rocks. You might even spot a rare (and protected) sand lizard in the dunes. These are also a brownish colour, although the males’ sides turn bright green in the spring in an effort to attract the lady lizards. There is the odd adder on the coast path, and they like to relax outside their burrows on a warm spring day.
