Lynchcombe Steps

by Jeff Bevan · Published 12th May 2023 · Updated 17th May 2023

Scrub Clearance – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_3865

It was time to spend some quality time on the Lynchcombe nature reserve on the edge of the Mendip Hills. As a volunteer warden I was checking on the condition of the reserve for the Somerset Wildlife Trust, and walking the Butterfly Transect.

Dove’s-foot cranesbill (Geranium molle) – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1078

At last we are getting some good spring weather, bringing out the flowers and butterflies.

Dove’s-foot cranesbill (Geranium molle) – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1558

A few bluebells venture out into the open grassland.

Bluebells – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0682

And there are still a few cowslips about.

Cowslips – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0500

Lying down photographing those flowers I caught a quick glimpse of this Roe Deer. Amazingly my old macro lens managed to shift focus quickly enough to grab a few pictures.

Row Deer – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0562

Holly and Common Blue butterflies were out in numbers across the reserve.

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_1478

As always Lynchcombe has some of the best views in Somerset, in England or anywhere come to that.

Westbury-sub-Mendip from Lynchcombe – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0935

And finally…

A few years ago I did a series of pictures of this tree over a full year. Today surrounded by buttercups under a blue sky it was looking particularly good. Never take trees like this for granted. It will be gone sooner than you think.