Priddy Mineries
Priddy Mineries
This small patch of the Mendip Hills has an ancient history of mining. It then became a Somerset Wildlife Trust nature reserve – but no longer. Despite this it is still a fabulous site of long grass, trees, ponds plus lots of lumps and hollows. It is one of the most popular gems on the Mendips.
And the Priddy Tree is its famous landmark.
These two trees are the money shot that everyone photographs as the walk up to the largest Waldegrave Pond.
The old SWT interpretation boards are now blank.
The mineries sits between North Hill and Stockhill Woods. In winter this is a frost pocket that holds on to its morning mist.
The mist forms layers across the landscape.
This is the home of voles, short-eared owls and millions of ticks! At this time of year these are hidden away.
Hoar frost wraps the grass and hawthorns in crystals.
In the hollows water collects.
The frost gleams across the water in the morning sun.
The Waldegrave Pond is popular with anglers, but now it is covered in ice.
Lots of trees, dry-stone walls and very long grass.
The evening draws in across the mineries.
The sun finally drops below the horizon.