Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Biking Birder I Swanage, Peveril Point and the WW2 Watchpoint

 



Swanage views, February 21st 2010


Biking Birder takes the ferry from Sandbanks over to Studland.

Near to where the ferry lands on the Studland side of the entrance to the immense Poole Harbour, is a famous site . . .


Monty Python intro


And so to Swanage, a view towards the main pier . . .


... and the view to the north, towards Ballard Down.


The Coastguard station at Peveril Point


I used to fish from these rocks when I lived here, occasionally catching mackerel, pollock, bass and garfish.
The most beautiful fish I ever caught here was a large cuckoo wrasse.


Gordon's bench - dedicated to the wonderful man.


Peveril Point looking towards Durslton




Looking towards the Isle of Wight from Peveril Point


View towards Ballard Down and Bournemouth


The blocked off WW2 watchpoint, now completely gone.
When we moved to Swanage and I started exploring the area, I was told by the wardens at Durlston Country Park that I should meet Gordon Barnes and that he was always to be found at Peveril Point in the WW2 watchpoint.
Indeed Gordon was there, crouched over a Leica telescope birdwatching.
A Brummie like me, born yards away from my beloved Aston Villa FC with a phenomenal knowledge of all thing nature, especially birds; Gordon Barnes became the closest of friends.


The large stone in the photograph I had placed here back in 2003 when the council wouldn't allow birdwatchers to enter the WW2 shelter. Instead Gordon, Peter, Vic and myself; the Last of the Summer Wine-like quartet, used to sit on this ledge to chat and birdwatch. Magic days.





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