Finally the weather has taken a turn for the better and we find ourselves enjoying some very welcome winter sunshine on the slopes of Shute Shelve hill. Looking west towards Isle of Frogs (Brent Knoll) and closer in, Cross Plain, we noted that we aren't the only people out enjoying a glorious day atop the Mendips.

At this time of year the masses of gorse bushes are putting on a stunning display of new flowers, giving some welcome colour to the hills. (Gorse bears some flowers year round, giving rise to the old country saying "When gorse is out of blossom, kissing's out of fashion"!)

Elsewhere on the hill, there is other colour to be enjoyed, but you have to look a little harder to find it...

A few examples of the mosses and lichens that we've come across on recent outings. Their vibrant colour, varying textures and forms make them quite an appealing subject for the macro lens.