One of the notable highlights of spring has to be when the bluebells bloom, covering grassy verges and woodlands in splashes of colour.
Bluebells are found in ancient wooded areas and are protected under the Countryside Act (1981), which means it is illegal to wilfully damage them – so people must stick to the paths and take care not to trample on them.
Likely due to the colder weather this year, they seem to have flowered slightly later this year – so, with lockdown restrictions having eased, it is the perfect time to enjoy a tranquil walk in Bucks’ best spots for bluebells before their short-lived season ends in May.
Here are some of the best hidden gems in and around Buckinghamshire for an enchanting bluebell walk over the next few weeks.
Dockey Wood
Part of the Ashridge Estate, a 2,000-hectare (5,000 acres) area of the Chiltern Hills, Dockey Wood is perhaps one of the best places in Bucks to see bluebells.
It features carpets of bluebells in the spring, with rare butterflies also seen in the summer months.
There are natural barriers to restrict access to the flowers, and smaller paths to protect them – but be aware as because of its popularity, the wood, which has a chargeable entrance, can get busy.
Go to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/ashridge-estate-dockey-wood to find out more.
Penn Wood
This woodland lies in the heart of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a long history.
According to the Woodland Trust, it was once part of a larger common called Wycombe Heath and contains impressive bluebell sections in the spring, with red kites and buzzards commonly seen overhead.
Visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/penn-wood-1 for more information.
Hervines Park
This public park in Amersham is popular with residents and has a protected bluebell wood.
You might need to get creative with cameras as the bluebells themselves are behind wire fences.
The park also has a children’s play area to keep little ones occupied and benches to relax on and take in the beauty of nature.
Low Scrubs, Coombe Hill
At 852 feet above sea level, Coombe Hill is the highest viewpoint in the Chiltern Hills, according to the National Trust.
The 106 acres of the hill once belonged to the Chequers Estate but was handed over to the National Trust in 1918 by Lord and Lady Lee of Fareham.
Head into the woods to Low Scrubs via the car park, where there is plenty of opportunity to take pictures of the beautiful bluebells.
To find out more, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/low-scrubs-a-walk-in-time.
Westwood Park
This park in Little Chalfont has beautiful bluebells in April and May, and woods from where you can do longer walks, including to Chenies or through the woods to Latimer by the River Chess.
To find out more, visit redkitedays.co.uk/westwood-park-woods-little-chalfont.
Cliveden
Seeing the bluebells appear at the woodland in Cliveden is a spring highlight.
The famous Grade I-listed gardens transform into seas of bluebells in April. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views over the River Thames and the Berkshire countryside from the wooded cliffs.
According to the National Trust website: “The magnificent ancient woodlands surrounding the formal gardens reveal a glorious bluebell bounty.”
Visitors can pick up a bluebell walk leaflet and follow the self-guided walk which will take them and into the woods to see cowslips, snowy wood anemones and dog violets.
To find out more, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/features/a-sea-of-bluebells.
Wendover Woods
This 325-hectare wood is great to take little ones to see the bluebells.
It also has a café, adventure playground, and fitness trail.
Bluebells come out in force during April and May, providing a stunning backdrop to family walks.
For more information, visit www.forestryengland.uk/wendover-woods.
Watlington Hill
This is a more challenging seven-mile walk taking ramblers across the National Trust’s Watlington Hill site.
Part of the route takes visitors through the woodland at Green Copse, which has a spectacular display of bluebells from late April to mid-May.
The route then returns to Christmas Common and Watlington Hill via an ancient Saxon lane.
To find out more, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chilterns-countryside/trails/watlington-hill---greenfields-and-saxon-roads.
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