The Mendip Hills have a long history of mining. Blackmoor along with nearby Ubley Warren and Velvet Bottom was the site of lead mining dating as far back as early Roman occupation and remained active until the late Nineteenth Century. All that remains of this industry now are spoil heaps, water filled pits, cut’s in the landscape and the odd mine shaft. At Blackmoor there is also the remains of an old lead smelting flue.
Today this once industrial, and often poisoned, landscape has been reclaimed by nature and these sites are now nature reserves.
Last week’s weather was wet and wild, and I wondered if this might present a perfect opportunity to photograph this landscape so one afternoon I set off to explore. I had hardly scratched the surface when came across this pool. Although it will soon to be lush green and full of life, the bleak late winter weather seemed to fit perfectly with what I had in mind. I didn’t stop however. Instead I completed a circular walk while making notes of other potential images for future reference. Eventually however, I found myself drawn back at this spot where I made this image.
