BLUE BLOOM!
YOU know spring has officially sprung when you start to see bluebells popping up across the countryside. Usually these vibrant flowers bloom from late March to early May, but it can vary from year to year.
According to the National Trust, around half of all the bluebells in the world are in the UK, which makes it no surprise that most of us can see these beautiful flowers in our nearby woodlands and nature reserves.
However, due to the flowers being so delicate, it can take the plants years to recover from footfall damage.
We have rounded up some of the best places across the East Midlands where you can enjoy bluebell walks this year without disturbing them, from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire to Calke Abbey in Derbyshire.
CLUMBER PARK, NOTTS
At the National Trust site near the A1 you will find Bluebell Wood, which is an area of the site transformed each spring. The three-mile trail will take visitors through a peaceful walk with thousands of bluebells blooming closely together. The circular walk starts in the village of Hardwick and takes you through several areas carpeted with bluebells, as well as historic buildings, farmland and around Clumber Lake.
PLOUGHMAN WOOD, LAMBLEY, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Ploughman Wood in Lambley, near Lowdham, is a Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust site and one of the county’s last remaining ancient woodlands. It’s free to visit and the woodland is accessible from the footpath, which runs from Green Lane in Lambley to Woodborough. It is a great location to see bluebells as well as other spring flowers.
CALKE ABBEY, DERBYSHIRE
If you take a short spring walk through Serpentine Wood, you will find loads of bluebells at the National Trust site. From mid-april and all through May the woodland floor is covered in bluebells. That’s not all the site has to offer, as there is also a walled garden full of seasonal colour, a 600-acre parkland to discover, the stableyard and a 19th-century restored church.
KEDLESTON HALL, DERBYSHIRE
The parkland and pleasure grounds at Kedleston, designed by Robert Adam, are a delight to explore. As you stroll through the estate, look out for seasonal wildlife in the parkland, including a fantastic display of bluebells that blankets the forest floor each April and May. Some of the prettiest displays of bluebells can be found close to the hall itself; simply follow the Short Walk path from the House of Lords gates. National Trust admission charges apply.
BLUEBELL WOOD, DERBYSHIRE
Looked after by Derbyshire County Council, the Bluebell Wood Local Nature Reserve at Chaddesden is a great place to explore. The wood is accessible by wheelchair and pushchair, and the route is around 1,100m from Hayfield Countryside Centre and back again. Bluebells are one of many wildflowers at the site, and thousands of them bloom in the spring. Visitors will also be able to see wood anemones, marsh marigolds and yellow archangels.
LEA WOOD, DERBYSHIRE
This beautiful semi-natural ancient woodland in the Lower Derwent Valley is carpeted with bluebells each spring. On the outskirts of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, the woodland has a rich history and is home to 96 species of fungi! To access the woodland, park at High Peak Junction car park and walk in via Cromford Canal at Aqueduct Cottage. Combine your visit with a walk along Cromford Canal and keep the adventure going looking for dragonflies and grass snakes.
LONGSHAW ESTATE, DERBYSHIRE
From April onwards, you can watch the gradual build-up of bluebells at Longshaw before their beautiful display from late April into May. Some of the best bluebell displays can be enjoyed at Haywood on the estate.
SHINING CLIFF WOODS, DERBYSHIRE
The ancient woodlands is a designated site of special scientific Interest due to the wide variety of plants and animals that live here. There is a circular waymarked trail for visitors which passes by the remains of the Betty Kenny Tree, said to be 2,000 years old. According to legend, the tree was once home to a local charcoal burner’s family and is the origin of the nursery rhyme Rock-a-bye-baby. Visit White Peak Distillery for a post-walk tipple!
MAPPERLEY WOOD, DERBYSHIRE
On the edge of Shipley Country Park in the Erewash Valley, Mapperley Wood Nature Reserve is a narrow belt of woodland. Each spring, the area comes to life with a vibrant purple carpet of bluebells. Park at Mapperley Reservoir.
RENISHAW HALL, DERBYSHIRE
The hall and gardens is an adored family home and immersive heritage experience located in Eckington. Each spring, the beautiful 19th-century Italianate gardens come to life with a stunning show of bluebells. Admission charges apply.
LINACRE RESERVOIRS, DERBYSHIRE
Explore the bluebell woods at the peaceful Linacre Reservoirs, on the outskirts of Chesterfield, and enjoy a circular waterside walk while spotting the lovely displays of bluebells. Admission is free but parking charges apply.
HOLLY WOOD, DERBYSHIRE
Derbyshire’s very own “Hollywood” can be found in the pretty village of Edlaston. This scenic woodland, cared for by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, has a beautiful display of springtime bluebells, including some white-flowered ones too!
SPRING WOOD, DERBYSHIRE
This beautiful woodland on the eastern side of Staunton Harold Reservoir has an abundance of springtime bluebells. It’s also a haven for bats! Bluebells carpet much of the woodland floor each May, and from the hide you can enjoy good views over the reservoir too.
BURROUGHS WOOD, RATBY, LEICESTERSHIRE
Managed by the Woodland Trust, Burroughs Wood is made up of two large sites in Ratby. One of these has ancient origins, whilst the other is made up of newer woodland. The site is known for its beautiful grassland and spring flowers, which include bluebells blooming across the woodland. If you want to see bluebells then the best part to explore is the ancient woodland, which is known to become a sea of bluebells each spring.
TATTERSHALL CARRS, TATTERSHALL, LINCOLNSHIRE
This Woodland Trust site is one of the last ancient, wet and alderdominated woodlands and is known for being home to bluebells and snowdrops. The wood was once part of RAF Woodhall Spa during the Second World War, and was also home to the famous 617 “Dambusters” squadron. It is also home to at least eight different species of bat, including the soprano pipistrelle, which is a small black and brown bat that relies on trees to hunt.
RIGSBY WOOD, ALFORD, LINCOLNSHIRE
Another stunning location to see the bluebells this year is Rigsby Wood in Alford – and it’s well worth the drive. The site is managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and is around 15 hectares. No dogs are allowed at the site and the woodland trail is very compacted and full of difficult terrain for wheelchairs. However, it has bluebells in abundance, as well as early purple orchids and sweet woodruff. The wood is also home to a range of breeding birds, such as woodpeckers and tawny owls.