You’ll feel blue if you miss gorgeous flowers
ARRIVAL OF BLUEBELLS IS A BREATHTAKING SIGHT IN WOODLANDS
THEY are famously a sign that spring has sprung.
Bluebells are breathtaking in the wild, providing a majestic natural carpet of colour.
The displays are very weather dependent and only last a couple of weeks, so it’s important not to leave it too long. Keep an eye out on social media for when they are in bloom and restrictions or details for viewing them.
If you fancy taking pictures, cloudy days are the best time as the contrast brings out the colours. When visiting woods and areas noted for bluebells, remember not to stray from paths to ensure you leave the flowers pristine for others to enjoy.
Here are some of the best bluebell walks to be found in Derbyshire and Staffordshire:
■■Calke Abbey, Ticknall DE73 7LE
Calke Park and its National Nature Reserve has a varied landscape – from rolling grassland to ancient oaks – with trees that are among the oldest in Europe. Venture towards the park’s Serpentine Wood to see the bluebells in all their glory.
■■Kedleston Hall, near Quarndon, Derbyshire DE22 5JH
Throughout spring, the woodland at National Trust property Kedleston Hall is the perfect place for bluebell spotting. The forest floor becomes a sea of blue, bringing the woodland to life. The best places to see the flowers is just a stone’s throw from the hall. Follow the short walk path running from the House of Lords gates up to the woods and be transported into a spring wonderland.
The trust says the number of bluebells has risen dramatically in recent years, with the continued thinning and appropriate management of the woodlands. The woodland had become overgrown greatly reducing suitable growing conditions for wildflowers. As each new area has been cleared then so too has the population of bluebells risen in the subsequent years.
Entry to Kedleston Hall is free to National Trust members. For more details, visit the website.
■■Jacksons Banks, near Hoar Cross, DE13 8RG
The circular walk on the Needwood estate brings the colours of the forest alive. If the weather is good enough there is a picnic area near the car park, or carry on with the walk down to the small pond and spread out a blanket near the water. There is a small, free car park owned by the National Forest.
■■Rosliston Forestry Centre, Rosliston DE12 8JX
During spring the centre has a special area specifically dedicated to bluebells so you can enjoy a walk through the colourful trees, meander back past the lakes and enjoy a coffee from the cafe while the children play in the play area. Entry to the centre is free. Parking is £4 for the day.
■■The Birches, Ambergate, Holly Lane, Ambergate, Belper DE56 2HG
The Birches is part of a network of woods that includes the larger Shining Cliff ancient woodland and overlooks the Derwent Valley. There are a numerous paths to take through the wood, plus a public footpath on the western boundary.
■■The Deer Park, Hoar Cross DE13 8QR
The Prince family has farmed the land at The Deer Park for four generations, maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and environmental care to produce the best results. There is a farm shop and cafe, as well as a woodland walk. The park has a small parking area.
■■Birches Valley, Cannock Chase WS15 2UQ
The valley is a popular day trip for families in Staffordshire. It has lots of facilities, a cafe and huge car park. During bluebell season visitors can head into the woods, following the Gruffulo trail. The newly developed two-mile Fair Oak trail is another good one to follow. Park at the main Birches Valley car park.
■■Cotton Dell, Staffordshire Moorlands ST10 3AG
High in the Staffordshire Moorlands, the 212 acres of Cotton Dell provide plenty for the nature lover. There are rivers, bogs, open fields, ancient woodland and an abundance of stunning bluebells. There is a picnic area near the car park.
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Hem Heath Woods, Stoke, ST4 8FR
Located near Trentham, Hem Heath Woods is home to a variety of trails around its 41 hectares. There will be bluebells as well as many other spring flowers in bloom. There is a large, free car park.
■■Biddulph Grange Garden, north of Stoke ST8 7SD
National Trust-owned Biddulph Grange gardens is a beautiful place to visit in spring. There is the woodland walk with plentiful bluebells, daffodils and other spring flowers. There are all the usual National Trust amenities, a cafe, toilets and plant shop. Admission is free for National Trust members and £8 for nonmembers. There is plenty of parking.
■■Burrs Wood, Unthank Lane, Dronfield
Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, this woodland is dominated by mighty oaks – with some well over 200 years old – as well as an abundance of wild flowers.