Not long after Easter, towards the end of April, the bluebells start to appear in woodland across the UK. Forests are transformed with an enchanting carpet of vibrant purple flowers. It is magical to go for a bluebell walk in the forest at this time. Bluebells are an indicator of ancient woodland with many bluebell woods dating back to at least 1600. Bluebells are often associated with fairy folklore and are sometimes called ‘fairy thimbles’. Young children can enjoy imagining calling fairies by pretending to ring the bluebells (without touching them of course!).
The wonderful photo showcased here was taken by Alexandra Tandy Photography.
Where to go for a Bluebell Walk in Berkshire.
Here is the Red Kite Days guide to best places to go for a bluebell walk in Berkshire. If you’re got a favourite spot not on the list or a bluebell woods picture you’d like to share, please tell us about it on our Facebook page or by tagging us on Twitter @redkitedays.
- Cliveden (National Trust), Taplow
- Moor Copse, Tidmarsh – there are organised bluebell walks run by BBOWT
- Bowdown Woods, near Newbury
- Popes Meadow, near Bracknell
- Rushall Farm, near Bradfield
- Basildon Park (National Trust), Lower Basildon. The green trail is a wonderful family walk through the bluebell woods and is pushchair-friendly too.
- The Three Copses, Bracknell Forest
- Whitegrove Copse, Bracknell Forest
- Bisham Woods, near Cookham Dean
- Pinkney’s Green, near Maidenhead
- Rushall Farm bluebell walks
Rushall Farm hold a couple of bluebell walks open weekends with lots of family friendly activities going on. There are a variety of walks up to 5 miles and a wheel chair friendly route too. All money raised goes to charity.
Check out the Red Kite Days guide to Top 10 bluebell walks in Oxfordshire here.
Bluebell Fun Facts
Did you know that in the Bronze Age, bluebell sap was used to attach feathers to arrows and has also been used to bind pages in the spines of books? The bluebell is a symbol of constancy and may be the origin of the tradition that a bride should wear ‘something blue’ on her wedding day.
