Carpets of bluebells are one of the greatest sights of spring.
You can see the magical transformation of the woodland floors from late March.
Mid-April to May is when the bluebells at Basildon Park transform the woodland with swathes of colour.
The sight of bluebells means winter is really over and we can start enjoying warm spring afternoons exploring the parkland at Basildon Park.
Bluebells add a beautiful splash of colour to so many woods across the UK, and walking amongst them can be irresistible.
Getting up close with the delicate flowers may be tempting, but they are very fragile, and even the most careful can cause damage to them.
Help them protect the bluebells at Basildon Park by sticking to the paths and avoiding stepping on these sensitive plants where possible.
Bowdown Woods is just south of Thatcham, near Newbury, in Berkshire.
The Wood has three surfaced car parks and the footpaths through the trees are all surfaced, making it great for accessibility.
Unlike some of the nearby Berkshire walks Bowdown Woods is completely off road and is ideal for dog walking and for taking a day out with the kids.
When you visit in spring you may be lucky to hear woodlarks singing across the heath.
On brash and log piles, look out for adders basking in the sun.
You can also see grass snake, common lizard and slow-worm, and the large pond supports a breeding population of palmate newts.
In the spring, the woodland floor is covered with bluebells.
The woodland trees are home to great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, tawny owl and grey squirrel.
Whilst the shrubs and scrub provide an ideal habitat for smaller birds such as robins, wrens and warblers.
Sulham Woods is carpeted with bluebells in spring
This diverse woodland wildlife treasure trove astride the River Pang is a haven of peace and beauty, renowned for its flowers, butterflies and moths.
Moor Copse is a wonderful reserve to visit all year round.
In spring, woodland flowers and meadow flowers provide a colourful carpet whilst birds sing their hearts out.
Starting in the woods, this route eventually gives way to an abundance of bluebells in the spring.
- Bluebell Walks
See the picturesque bluebells of West Woods as part of your next forest adventure.
Located south of Marlborough, West Woods is a very beautiful former ancient woodland site.
The woodland becomes very popular in late spring due to the fantastic displays of bluebells which carpet the forest floor in certain areas.
There is a good network of walking trails including an easy access route for you to explore.
Please help them protect the forest by only cycling on stone-surfaced forest roads and bridleways.
This pocket of woodland provides a breathing space for wildlife in west Swindon and a peaceful place where workers can take a lunchtime stroll.
In April and May you can enjoy a stunning display of native bluebells.
The copse was planted some time before 1766 and belonged to the Lydiard Park estate.
Oak was harvested for the building industry and coppiced hazel was used for fencing.
Coppiced trees produce new shoots and this is a traditional way of harvesting wood.
From mid-April, you can lose yourself amongst these enchanting blooms and become a part of their survival story.
Deep in Morgaston Woods, a network of paths weave through the swathes of hazy blue that carpet the woodland floor.
Daffodils and other spring bulbs signal the start of spring at the Arboretum.
Look out for other spring plants like crocus, scilla (which look a little like bluebells, and can be found at the base of some of the larger oaks), and lesser celandine.
When the Daphne bholua 'Darjeeling' flowers in early spring you’ll smell it before you see it!
It releases a divine scent attracting visitors down the Serpentine Ride.
In the Magnolia Glade gentle whites, creams and pinks are joined by a delicate sweet aroma from some of their magnolias, including Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel'.
In the coppice visitors should make the most of the opportunity for a closer look at the method used to lay a hedge before this year's leaves cover the hard work of their arborists, volunteers, and course attendees.
Late spring is a glorious time to visit the Arboretum.
Their collection of azaleas and rhododendrons are flowering in a stunning range of colours, including Rhododendron ‘Jean Marie de Montague’, Azalea ‘Marconi’, Rhododendron ‘Goldinetta’, and Rhododendron ‘Seven Stars’.
Also along the Serpentine Ride are a number of delicate flowering trees such as Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree) and Halesia Carolina (Snowdrop Tree).
By the end of April visitors will be able to see the bluebells beginning to flower and open in Bluebell Wood.
While you are walking look out for busy wildlife preparing for the season ahead.
Many different types of bird will be found on the bird feeders near the ticket office. Tits, nuthatches and finches are all busy preparing their nests and raising chicks.
Their peacocks are calling and displaying magnificently, while the peahens take it easy.
Look upwards to catch a sight of a circling red kite or buzzard.
In spring, the woodland is awash with spectacular bluebells and wood anemones
Breathtaking beauty in this ancient woodland famed for its spectacular spring bluebells, abundant birdlife and fabulous fungi.
- Further Afield
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