Autumn / Somerset

End of Summer?

by Jeff Bevan · Published 23rd August 2017 · Updated 24th August 2017

I have a rule – always go out with a plan, a clear idea of what to photograph. Today I broke that rule and found myself visiting my favourite haunts gathering the wide landscapes and fine details signalling the end of summer.

Sheep in an Orchard – Baltonsborough, Somerset, UK. ID DSC_0995

Orchards are a big thing in Somerset and I would love to visit more this autumn.

Golden Leaves

The leaves are already beginning to turn and these oak leaves were glowing in a pool of light in Great Breach Wood.

Autumn Oak Leaves – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 823_1735

Straw Bales

Across Somerset straw bales are rolling up, including these in front of Windmill Hill Wood near Somerton.

Straw Bales – Windmill Hill, Nr Somerton, Somerset, UK. ID 823_1833

Comma Butterfly

I stopped off at the bottom of the slope at Hatch Hill. Poking around the blackthorn that lines the track and up into the trees hoping to see Brown Hairstreak butterflies. No such luck but this Comma looked cool backlit by the low sun.

Comma (Polygonia c-album) – Hatch HIll, Somerset, UK. ID 823_1874

Green Down

It seems like a long time ago I was on Green Down chasing after Large Blue butterflies. Today the butterfly hunters have all gone and instead the sheep are doing some important grazing. I did have a brief look for Brown Hairstreak butterflies – but out of luck again.

Green Down – Somerset, UK. ID green-down

Field Maple

Back at Hatch Hill these leaves shone in the evening light. They were hard to photograph blowing around in the wind. Behind the hill a thunderstorm was brewing. I left the hill in a hurry with the camera wrapped up in a plastic bag to keep it dry.