Stockhill Wood in Winter

Stockhill Wood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3599

I have a mini-project this year to photograph the Stockhill Wood high up on the Mendip Hills in Somerset.

Stockhill Wood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5090

I’m hoping to capture rays in the mist that hangs around at the top of the Mendips.  Today there was mist, but I had to wait for a delivery at home and I was a bit too late reaching the woods.

Stockhill Wood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_5030H

The wood has a ancient history of lead mining which has created a landscape of steep deep pots, and many lumps and dumps.  Since the mining days the wood has been developed by the Forestry Commission.  As a result much the area is now covered in dense lines of conifers.  But across the wood are lots of glades.

Today these glades were frost traps.

Stockhill Wood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_4514

A miniture winter landscape that we have not seen much of during this year’s mild winter.

Stockhill Wood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_4483

As evening approached the sun cut through the sides of the wood.

Stockhill Wood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3572

The low evening sun found a corner of the wood to illuminate it with warm light rays.

Stockhill Wood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3576

Next to the busy road I had to time my pictures carefully to avoid including a passing car.

Stockhill Wood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3580