Snowdrops of Camelot
Snowdrops – Church of St Michael, Blackford, South Somerset, UK. ID JB_6725
We are approaching the arrival of snowdrops. The earliest snowdrops are already here – such as those in the Donkey Field at Uphill. But in this post I wanted to focus on the snowdrops of the parish of Camelot.
Flower of Life and Death
Snowdrops bring a spark of new life to the English countryside. In doing so they mark the beginning of the end of winter. The small brave pearls emerge into a very cold world. Frost, snow and freezing weather do their worst but snowdrops still manage to return each year.
How do they spread across the countryside when it is too cold for pollinating insects? The answer for most is to spread as bulbs that divide underground. A few flies and bees do visit the flowers, then their stems collapse to the ground to sow their seeds just a few inches away.
Snowdrops – Maperton, Somerset, UK. ID 825_1113
So most snowdrops in Somerset have not spread naturally but were planted. Sometimes this was centuries ago and so they have spread out along valleys and field edges. Most were planted in churchyards where they were linked with death.
I do not want to believe in the myths associating them with death. Instead, I enjoy the life of these delicate little pearls. Just do not ask be to bring one into the house.
There are lots of places to see snowdrops in Somerset. Some grow in down valleys, some in large estates, but to me the best are in small village churchyards.
Camelot is not just a famous silly place but a group of nine parishes, with ten churches, in South Somerset.
- Blackford
- Bratton Seymour
- Holton
- Maperton
- South Cadbury
- Compton Pauncefoot
- Galhampton
- North Cadbury
- North Cheriton
- Yarlington
Some are better for snowdrops than others…
Blackford
The Church of St Michael in Blackford is my favourite snowdrop location.
Church of St Michael – Blackford, South Somerset, UK. ID 824_8556
There are three villages called Blackford in Somerset. This one is in South Somerset, and not near Wedmore or Minehead.
Churchyard Snowdrops – Blackford, South Somerset, UK. ID 824_8774
There are lots of snowdrops on flat ground open to the low winter sun making it wonderful for photography.
Bratton Seymour
The Church of St Nicholas sits high on a ridge with long views towards Alfred’s Tower.
Sheep – Bratton Seymour, Somerset, UK. ID 825_7883
In the church is a patch of snowdrops, and others can be seen in the gardens across the village.
St Nicholas Church – Bratton Seymour, Somerset, England. ID IMG_2800P
Snowdrops – Church of St Nicholas, Bratton Seymour, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_5933
Holton
Church of St Nicholas – Holton, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_8090H
The church in this small village has very few snowdrops, on one occasion I could only find a single flower. However, around the nearby roads there are plenty to find.
Snowdrops – Holton, Somerset, UK. ID 809_0834
Maperton
St. Peter & St. Pauls Church – Maperton, Somerset, UK. ID 825_0956
Maperton church has a wonderful display of snowdrops.
Snowdrops – Maperton, Somerset, UK. ID 825_0938
From a steep bank close to the church to those higher up the hill around the more recent graves.
Snowdrops – Maperton, Somerset, UK. ID 825_1005
Snowdrops – Maperton, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_6449
South Cadbury
The church of St Thomas a Becket – South Cadbury, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_1063
Not many snowdrops here, but later in the year there is a large display of daffodils.
Compton Pauncefoot
Dawn over Barrow Hill – Compton Pauncefoot, Somerset, UK. ID 804_9231
Like most of South Somerset this tiny village is deep in the countryside.
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Compton Pauncefoot, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_9882
No snowdrops here but it does have a good display of primroses.
Galhampton
Galhampton Church – Nr North Cadbury, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8507
Snow but no snowdrops at Galhampton.
North Cadbury
St Michael the Archangel – North Cadbury, Somerset, UK. ID 828_1372
I have visited this church several times, and there is a good display of snowdrops. Sadly, I no longer have any of those pictures.
North Cheriton
Church of St John the Baptist – North Cheriton, Somerset, UK. ID 824_9642
At the top of the village on a steep hill is this very English church. All around the village are patches of snowdrops.
Snowdrops – Church of St John the Baptist, North Cheriton, Somerset, UK. ID 824_9511
Yarlington
St Marys Church – Yarlington, Somerset, UK. ID 825_1545
A little hidden village with a small collection of snowdrops and crocus flowers.
Snowdrops – Yarlington, Somerset, UK. ID 825_1490
More information
- http://camelotparishes.co.uk/
Very nice, and a lovely reminder of my time down there – well almost, Henstridge area mainly but a few of those hamlets are well known. I’ve noticed the snowdrops are really moving now with good clumps flowering in Clifton where I work and elsewhere. So good to see and signs that the days are lengthening.
Good to here the snowdrops are appearing, as down in South Somerset they are very late this year.