Purple Carpets

The beautiful combination of deep purple heather and brilliant yellow gorse against a pastel blue sky defines Gower’s cliffs during September and October. The autumn flowering of gorse can sometimes be disappointing, but in good years, when both heather and gorse bloom together, a cliff walk can take one’s breath away. 

At this time of year some Gower commons are also at their best, and I need only walk a short distance from our cottage to be confronted with a magnificent display of heather. Clyne Common seldom disappoints, particularly the south side, which in soft evening autumnal light, is simply stunning. Purple carpets stretch as far as the eye can see, mixing with occasional clumps of flowering gorse and fading summer greens, to form a mosaic of exceptional beauty. The well-trodden footpath across the common is mostly dry, reminding me of the wonderful summer weather this year. The sinking sun forces a dark shadow to gradually creep from west to east, partially hiding the few ponies grazing on the near side of the common. Swallows and house martins appear and head for the sunnier side of the common, and jackdaws start to head east towards their roost.

In the hedgerows on the edge of the common, dock seeds are everywhere, giving a distinct end of season look, and oak trees bearing green acorns are beginning to the look autumnal. Wilting stands of great willow herb still have a few flower heads, and fading bindweed supports the odd pure white bloom. Ragwort is far from over, decorating the hedges with flashes of yellow. Most blackberries are red, but the few ripe ones already taste good, promising a good crop this year.

I cross the road and wait for the sun to set behind Cefn Bryn. The evening kestrel fails to appear, as does the sunset I’d hoped for.