Priddy / Sunrise

The Lonesome Pine

by Jeff Bevan · Published 22nd November 2021 · Updated 27th November 2021

Priddy Tree – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID BR53132

This lonesome pine stands in the pale moonshine in the middle of the Mendips Hills in Somerset. Known (by some) as the Priddy Tree it grows out of the top of a tumulus overlooking the Waldegrave Pond of Priddy Mineries. Exposed to the elements, and having survived intense fires, this it is a local landmark.

I got up to watch the start of another winter day at the tree.

7:00am

Its winter so you can have a bit of a lie in before getting out to watch the sun rise. I parked my tripod next to the tree with the aim of watching the sun appear under its branches.

Priddy Tree – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID BR53137

7:30am

The sun still has not appeared, but some clouds have started to blow in. This is good news if we want to get some dawn colour.

Priddy Tree – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID BR53154

7:35am

Things are beginning to pick up, as a splash of colour has appeared under the tree.

Priddy Tree – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID BR53164

7:40am

Now we are talking, some lovely deep dark colours.

Priddy Tree – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID BR53167

7:45am

I think the sun is just about to appear. The official sunrise time has probably already gone, but it is hidden by the Stockhill Woods. however, those clouds are so red!

Priddy Tree – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID BR53177

7:45am

First sight of the sun, and some feint rays shining on the warm coloured clouds. Sadly the deep reds have gone.

Priddy Tree – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID BR53249

7:50am

The sun is finally here for another day. Time to get warm and have some breakfast.

Priddy Tree – Priddy Mineries, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID BR53261

And finally…

The good news is this lonesome pine is not really alone. As this old photograph shows its mother is not far away. The mother is often seen putting her arm around its child to keep it safe in cold weather.