East Harptree Woods

Smitham Chimney – East Harptree Wood, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7449HP

East Harptree Wood

This wood is a small woodland situated on the northern edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset.  It is mainly conifers but in the wood’s centre there are some more interesting trees, surrounding the historical Smitham Chimney.  This is a reminder of the Mendip’s lead mining past.

Next to the chimney is a pond, with the chance of seeing some cool reflections, and in the summer lots of dragonflies.

East Harptree Wood, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7466

Today the chimney was more popular with pigeons.

Smitham Chimney – East Harptree Wood, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7138H

I arrived early in the morning to catch the low sun piercing through the trees.

East Harptree Wood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7555

There was some lovely autumn colours surrounding the chimney.

Smitham Chimney – East Harptree Wood, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7128H

Despite the prominence of conifers there was some beautiful colours near the car park.

East Harptree Wood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7705

I had been given a tip that a young deer sometimes appears in this clearing early in the morning.  The glade looked great backlit but no sign of the deer.  I probably made too much noise.

East Harptree Wood, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7220

And finally…

Let’s end with a bit more autumn colour.

East Harptree Wood, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7178