Herts &amp; Beds

Most helpful information about where to find bluebells Many thanks

Spring is in the air, finally! And that means the bluebells are coming. We&#8217;re lucky to be spoilt for choice when it comes to getting your fix of the little blue fellas in Herts and Beds, but here&#8217;s our pick of the local hotspots. Just watch your step to make sure everyone has the chance to enjoy them. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-63976"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-c-Josh-Kubale-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63976" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-c-Josh-Kubale-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-c-Josh-Kubale-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-c-Josh-Kubale-2-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-c-Josh-Kubale-2-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Josh Kubale</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herts">HERTS</h2>



<a href="http://heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heartwood Forest</a>, Sandridge, St Albans



This new forest has had a whopping 600,000 trees planted amongst pockets of ancient woodland and has become one of the Woodland Trust&#8217;s most popular sites. Head to Langley Wood to see the best bluebell displays, but do take care where you put your feet and stick to the paths as over an acre of these sensitive little beauties have been lost in recent years due to visitors venturing off the beaten track.



<a href="http://sherrardsparkwood.com">Sherrardspark Wood</a>, Welwyn Garden City



These 200 acres of volunteer-managed woodland are buzzing with wildlife amongst the ancient oak and hornbeam trees &#8211; so old is the wood in fact, that it is mentioned in the Domesday Book! Usually there&#8217;s a programme of warden-guided walks, where you can learn more about the history of the woods and the seasonal changes, so keep checking the site for updates.



<a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/hawkins-wood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawkins Wood</a>, Royston [CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO ASH DIEBACKBUT KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEBSITE FOR UPDATES]



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-63973"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-Josh-Kubale.jpg" alt="bluebells hawkins wood" class="wp-image-63973" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-Josh-Kubale.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-Josh-Kubale-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-Josh-Kubale-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-Josh-Kubale-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Josh Kubale</figcaption></figure>



Another ancient woodland and nature reserve, Hawkins Wood is separated into north, south and central sections by (what are believed to be) medieval banks and ditches. There&#8217;s tonnes of birdlife to be found here, as well as the odd brown hare and, obviously, an abundance of bluebells.



<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/hawkins-wood" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/whippendell-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Whippendell Wood</a>, Watford



Follow the footpath from Rousebarn Lane through <a href="http://cassioburypark.info/whippendell-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cassiobury Park</a> to find this pretty woodland spot, which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Look out for the old WWII bomb craters &#8211; call me sentimental, but when filled with a sea of beautiful bluebells it seems like nature&#8217;s way of paying tribute to the fallen.



<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Ashridge Estate</a>, Berkhamsted



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-63969"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Kats-bluebell-pic-Ashridge.jpg" alt="Bluebells at Ashridge" class="wp-image-63969" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Kats-bluebell-pic-Ashridge.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Kats-bluebell-pic-Ashridge-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Kats-bluebell-pic-Ashridge-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Kats-bluebell-pic-Ashridge-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Here&#8217;s one I snapped myself on the gorgeous Ashridge Estate</figcaption></figure>



The woodlands on the Ashridge Estate are just fabulous at bluebell time, and I make sure to visit every year for the obligatory family bluebell photoshoot! There are two waymarked routes from the Visitor Centre where you can see stunning displays. And, if you want to avoid the crowds look out for the smaller carparks dotted around the outskirts, which offer access to more secluded and less well-trodden areas. Dockey Wood is the one for the best sightings but you&#8217;ll have to pay to get in &#8211; it all goes towards managing footfall and conservation work though. 



<a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/post-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Post Wood</a>, Ware



Dating back to the 1600s (it&#8217;s believed!), this really is an ancient woodland and it&#8217;s very well known for its little blue visitors in spring. There&#8217;s a circular walk around the wood itself, or you can cut across the woodland glade, where you&#8217;re likely to spot some pretty pink anenmones, too. There&#8217;s a car park just south of the woods.



<a href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/gobions-wood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gobions Woods</a>, Potters Bar



You&#8217;ll find more ancient woodlands here with bluebells aplenty as well as wood anemones, plus the remnants of some 18th century pleasure gardens to explore. Note that some paths are currently closed due to ash dieback so check the website before you go. 



<a href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/panshanger-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Panshanger Park (opens in a new tab)">Panshanger Park</a>, Hertford



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-63974"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Panshanger-Park-Credit-Ian-Carle-Herts-and-Middlesex-Wildlife-Trust.jpg" alt="Panshanger Park bluebells" class="wp-image-63974" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Panshanger-Park-Credit-Ian-Carle-Herts-and-Middlesex-Wildlife-Trust.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Panshanger-Park-Credit-Ian-Carle-Herts-and-Middlesex-Wildlife-Trust-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Panshanger-Park-Credit-Ian-Carle-Herts-and-Middlesex-Wildlife-Trust-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Panshanger-Park-Credit-Ian-Carle-Herts-and-Middlesex-Wildlife-Trust-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Ian Carle Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust</figcaption></figure>



Once a privately owned estate, this now Grade II* listed, 1000-acre park and garden, between Welwyn Garden City and Hertford, only opened to the public in 2014. There&#8217;s loads to explore here including remnants of the old estate, as well as wetland and grassland habitats, but it&#8217;s at Lady Hughes Wood that you&#8217;ll find the best bluebell displays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BEDS</h2>



<a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/landpark-wood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Landpark Wood (opens in a new tab)">Landpark Wood</a>, Whipsnade



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone wp-image-63983 size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells2-Caroline-Fitton-1.jpeg" alt="Bluebells Landpark Wood" class="wp-image-63983" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells2-Caroline-Fitton-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells2-Caroline-Fitton-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells2-Caroline-Fitton-1-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells2-Caroline-Fitton-1-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Caroline Fitton, The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire &amp; Northamptonshire</figcaption></figure>



While there are fab displays here, the woods aren&#8217;t extensive. You can take this in as part of a longer jaunt though. There&#8217;s a circular walk from Whipsnade Heath via Dunstable Downs and can also check out the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/whipsnade-tree-cathedral" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Whipsnade Tree Cathedral</a> en route.



<a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/putnoe-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Puntoe Wood (opens in a new tab)">Puntoe Wood</a>, Bedford



On the outskirts of urban Bedford, just off Mowsbury Park is this unexpectedly&nbsp;natural haven. Although still 25+ acres it&#8217;s actually just the remains of a much larger ancient woodland dating back to the Domesday Book. There&#8217;s a footpath all the way around from which you can take in the bluebell displays.



<a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/the-lodge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Lodge (opens in a new tab)">The Lodge</a>, Sandy



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-63979"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/The-Lodge-Sandy-1-Credit-Michael-Harvey-RSPB.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63979" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/The-Lodge-Sandy-1-Credit-Michael-Harvey-RSPB.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/The-Lodge-Sandy-1-Credit-Michael-Harvey-RSPB-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/The-Lodge-Sandy-1-Credit-Michael-Harvey-RSPB-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/The-Lodge-Sandy-1-Credit-Michael-Harvey-RSPB-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Michael Harvey RSPB</figcaption></figure>



This RSPB nature reserve is made up of heathland and ancient woodland, which are the perfect habitats for bird life so there are many species to spot – and of course, bluebells in the spring. Listen carefully and you might even detect the drumming of a resident woodpecker in the trees or even a cuckoo in the distance! There&#8217;s a £4 entrance fee which covers parking (free to RSPB members).



<a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/flitwick-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flitwick Wood</a>, Flitwick



This ancient woodland boasts a variety of flora and fauna including wood spurge and mature oaks to carpets of bluebells in April and May. There are some lovely circular walks to try and keep an eye out for a resident vole or muntjac springing through the woods.



<a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/kings-wood-and-rammamere-heath" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="King's Wood and Rammamere Heath (opens in a new tab)">King&#8217;s Wood and Rammamere Heath</a>, near Leighton Buzzard



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-63982"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-Kings-Wood-Caroline-Fitton-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-63982" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-Kings-Wood-Caroline-Fitton-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-Kings-Wood-Caroline-Fitton-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-Kings-Wood-Caroline-Fitton-1-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/04/Bluebells-Kings-Wood-Caroline-Fitton-1-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Caroline Fitton, The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire &amp; Northamptonshire</figcaption></figure>



Part of the largest area of deciduous woodland in Bedfordshire, you&#8217;ll find primroses and lily-of-the-valley dotted between the swathes of bluebells on this 15th century site, as well as seasonal ponds, the occasional woodpecker and a flurry of butterflies darting amongst the flowers. Sounds rather idyllic, doesn&#8217;t it?



<a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/ampthill-forest-maulden-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maulden Wood</a>, nr Clophill



Part of the Greensands Ridge, Maulden Wood is one of the largest and most significant ancient woodlands in Bedfordshire. There&#8217;s a combination of footpaths, bike trails and bridleways, depending on how you prefer to travel, and you&#8217;ll be rewarded with fab views over the countryside of Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay. You&#8217;ll also find a picnic area at the end of the Faith Woodland trail.

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