Spectacular displays of bluebells come into bloom in April and May - from country parks to ancient woodlands, we pick 9 places in Suffolk to go for a woodland walk
Awe-inspiring floral displays are fixture in many of Britain’s remaining ancient woodlands, including the one at Bradfield St George. Managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Bradfield is a working wood that has supplied wood for fuel and hazel products to the local community dating back to the 13th century.
Arger Fen and Spouse’s Vale lie tucked away in the very south of the county, off a narrow lane midway between Nayland and Bures. The 500-year old ancient woodland is a remnant of the swathes of forest that once covered much of Suffolk.
Patient ramblers may spy fallow deer picking their way through the flowers of this ancient woodland in Sudbourne. The Suffolk Wildlife Trust manages the ancient woodland that is a mix of oak, birch, hazel, mature Scots pine and sweet chestnut trees. This fairytale woodland habitat is also home to barn owls and bats. Please note dogs are not permitted at Captain’s Wood.
It’s not just bluebells on show at Haughley Park, the family-run estate boasts the largest magnolia in Suffolk and the largest hollow oak tree. Follow way-marked walks of between 1 mile and 2.25 miles through natural woodland and woodland garden or explore the six acres of landscaped gardens surrounding the house.
5. Freston Wood
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, there’s something hauntingly beautiful and a real sense of history about these woods nestled in the Orwell Valley. Paths vie for supremacy with roots of mighty broadleaves. Spring-fed brooks trickle over the light sandy soil. The slopes of medieval boundary banks allow for sweeping violet vistas as soon as the first bluebells dare to nod their fragile heads.
6. Groton Wood
A woodland wonderland is created by the cobalt and purple swathes of spring flowers in this ancient space. In addition to the bluebells, woodland adventurers can spot up to 15 species of butterfly fluttering past early-purple orchid, violet helleborine, woodruff and herb-paris.
With numerous trails to follow around the beautiful Georgian palace at Ickworth Park, ramblers can take a different route each time to hunt for the patches of blue blooms that appear in spring. The estate grounds are also home to one of the largest walled gardens in East Anglia, packed with heritage fruit and vegetables there are plans to reintroduce a range of fruit trees in the coming seasons.
8. Reydon Wood
This 40 acre wood near Southwold is a great spot for a bluebell woodland walk in the spring months. The landscape of wood has been sculpted by hundreds of years of coppicing. Keen bird watchers should keep an eye out for tawny owls, nightingales, sparrow hawks, long-tailed tits, woodcocks and blackcaps.
Marvel at the flowers in this Woodland Trust wood near Needham Market. In addition to the beautiful bluebell it boasts several species of orchid and the rare wild pear tree.
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