Mendip Gold

by Jeff Bevan · Published 7th November 2023 · Updated 19th November 2023

Autumn at the Bishops Palace – Wells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0676

Autumn can come and go in a heartbeat. For me this was one of those years. A late start followed by a series of storms that removed many of the leaves. Combine this with a trip out of the country, and I feel that autumn passed me by.

However, a few visits were squeezed in at Beacon Hill, Nether Wood and Wells.

Beacon Hill Wood

A reliable source of autumn colour, these beach woods high up in the Mendips above Shepton Mallet are stunning at this time of year.

Beacon Hill Woods – Nr Shepton Mallet, Someret, UK. ID JB_0185

The woodland floor is a mine for fungi. By the time of my visit most of them had been nibbled away by the locals.

Toadstools at Beacon Hill Wood – Nr Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK. ID JB_9971

But some people have had better luck leaving this collection on a tree stump.

Fungi Foray – Beacon Hill Woods, Somerset, UK. ID 826_2256

Blackmoor and Nether Wood

In the middle of the Mendip Hills is a small and hidden little wood called Nether Wood.

MLZ – Blackmoor, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID MG_7157

This is a old mining site with lines of lead flums are still visible.

Lead Flums – Blackmoor, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0189

The tiny wood has a lovely wide track lined with mature trees.

Netherwood – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_0250

As well as some interesting metal work.

Stile – Netherwood, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID_0232

Bishops Palace

Wells is the biggest little city on the edge of the Mendip Hills. If you visit Wells a must stop is the Bishop’s Palace. The palace gardens are always full of colour and currently that colour is gold.