Suffolk &amp; Cambs

<p>It&#8217;s so sad not to be able to see them this year because of lockdown. Let&#8217;s hope there&#8217;s an extra special display for us all next Spring.</p>


<p>Not to forget the wild garlic that compliments the bluebells so well.</p>


<p>We normally go to see the bluebells especially at Freston where they are gorgeous.  This year with lockdown, no transport and my husband deceased I have no chance but taken loads of photos in past years so looking at them and others online!!  All very sad and bet they will be extra good this year!!</p>



<p><span style="font-size: inherit">Do you know what a cuckoo’s boot is? How about Granfer griggles, witches’ thimbles, or fairy flower? You don&#8217;t need to be a genius to deduce that these are all delightfully mad British names for the beautiful Bluebell or </span><em>Hyacinthoides non-scripta &#8211; </em>I know, showing off now<em>.&nbsp;</em></p>



<p>Suffolk and Cambs are positively brimming with bluebells in spring, so here are 12 of the best hotspots to visit now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cambridgeshire"><strong>CAMBRIDGESHIRE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="648" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/02/anglesey-abbey-1.jpg" alt="Bluebells at Anglesey Abbey" class="wp-image-10745" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/02/anglesey-abbey-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/02/anglesey-abbey-1-150x97.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/02/anglesey-abbey-1-300x194.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/02/anglesey-abbey-1-720x467.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gamsey-wood-nr-ramsey-nbsp"><strong><a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/gamsey-wood" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gamsey Wood</a>, nr Ramsey&nbsp;</strong></h4>



<p>This 10-acre patch of ancient woodland, five miles south west of Ramsey, is nestled in a working farm. It&#8217;s managed by the the Wildlife Trust for Cambs and Beds, so there&#8217;s lovely unspoilt bluebell patches as well as an abundance of butterflies. Fun fact: some wild service trees in the area produce boozy berries that were once used to make alcohol *grabs coat*.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brampton-wood-huntingdon-nbsp"><a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/brampton-wood" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brampton Wood</a>, Huntingdon&nbsp;</h4>



<p>This spot is old (900 years to be exact) and huuuuge (it&#8217;s Cambs&#8217; second largest ancient wood). Brampton is always chock-a-block with the little blue fellas, wildlife, trees and unusual species and there are loads of different walking routes along footpaths. You&#8217;re asked to stay to the paths and keep your dog on a lead &#8211; as there are many ground nesting birds. </p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hayley-wood-nbsp-little-gransden"><a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/hayley-wood" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hayley Wood</a>,&nbsp;Little Gransden</h4>



<p>There&#8217;s more than just your pretty bluebells here. The ancient woods is home to unusual flowers including wood anemone and dog&#8217;s mercury (whatever that is). It&#8217;s also famed for its hundreds of species of fungi so watch out for surprises if you decide to go mushroom picking. Take your wellies &#8211; there are a few ginormous puddles!</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thorpe-wood-nbsp-peterborough"><b><a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/thorpe-wood" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Thorpe Wood</a>,&nbsp;Peterborough</b></h4>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/02/bluebells.jpg" alt="bluebells" class="wp-image-10746" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/02/bluebells.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/02/bluebells-150x84.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/02/bluebells-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2019/02/bluebells-720x405.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I love it when I see a green gem in the middle of an urban jungle (well, Peterborough). This well maintained ancient woodland is just outside the city centre and has so many bluebells that a section of woodland and a trail is named after them. It&#8217;s great spot for a family walk with the dog in tow and you can even pick up some potent wild garlic along the way.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grafham-water-nbsp-reservoir-nbsp-huntingdon"><a href="https://anglianwaterparks.co.uk/grafham-water" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grafham Water&nbsp;Reservoir</a>,&nbsp;Huntingdon</h4>



<p>Fancy a leisurely cycle with your bluebells? I&#8217;ve found just the spot. As well as being a prime location for birdwatching (if that&#8217;s what you&#8217;re in to) there&#8217;s a surfaced <a href="https://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Grafham_Water_Cycle_Loop-Cycle-Route-3309.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">cycle track</a> around the reservoir and nature reserve.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gamlingay-wood-nbsp-gamlingay"><a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/gamlingay-wood" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gamlingay Wood</a>,&nbsp;Gamlingay</h4>



<p>Bluebells have been springing up &#8217;round these parts for over 1000 years along with loads of other flora including pretty primroses and foxgloves. There are several different pathways through the woods, including the 3km Rippengal&#8217;s Walk, named after Cambs archeologist Robert Rippengal. Check it out <a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/sites/default/files/2018-05/Gamlingay%20Wood%20leaflet%202011.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SUFFOLK</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="406" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/04/Eversden-Woods-Bluebells.png" alt="Eversden Woods Bluebells" class="wp-image-2994" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/04/Eversden-Woods-Bluebells.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/04/Eversden-Woods-Bluebells-150x61.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/04/Eversden-Woods-Bluebells-300x122.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/04/Eversden-Woods-Bluebells-720x292.png 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reydon-woods-southwold"><a href="https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reydonwood">Reydon Woods</a>, Southwold </h4>



<p>This ancient woodland is in beautiful condition thanks to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and in Spring it&#8217;s at its bluebell-filled best. Kids will particularly enjoy all the cute little dens and sun-dappled glades that give a walk here a magical feel. </p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bradfield-woods-bury-st-edmunds"><a href="https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/bradfieldwoods">Bradfield Woods</a>, Bury St Edmunds</h4>



<p>Here’s a couple of fun facts for you: Bradfield Woods is one of the finest examples of ancient forest&nbsp;in Britain and bluebells are just one of 370 species of plant that grows here. There are a number of walks (around 5 miles of trails) that criss cross the woods so you can discover the carpets of blue without seeing another soul.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arger-fen-and-spouse-s-wood-sudbury"><a href="https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/arger-fen">Arger Fen and Spouse&#8217;s Wood</a>, Sudbury </h4>



<p>There&#8217;s 110 hectares of ancient and new woodland, plus meadows to discover here. In Spring you can walk for miles surrounded by a beautiful carpet of bluebells. Insta heaven!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="410" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/04/Hardwick-Woods-Bluebells.png" alt="Bluebells" class="wp-image-2991" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/04/Hardwick-Woods-Bluebells.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/04/Hardwick-Woods-Bluebells-150x62.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/04/Hardwick-Woods-Bluebells-300x123.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2017/04/Hardwick-Woods-Bluebells-720x295.png 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-captain-s-wood-sudbourne"><strong><a href="https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/captainswood">Captain&#8217;s Wood,</a> Sudbourne </strong></h4>



<p>Another ancient woodland that is managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Captain&#8217;s Wood is full of rare and remarkable plants and wildlife. Here you&#8217;ll find one of the greatest expanses of bluebells in the country, and if you&#8217;re lucky you&#8217;ll share the incredible site with the resident fallow deer. </p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freston-woods-wherstead-ipswich">Freston Woods, Wherstead, Ipswich </h4>



<p><a href="https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/local/freston-wood-babergh">Freston Wood </a>dates back to medieval times and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). You&#8217;ll find plenty of bluebells here to marvel at with the bubbling sounds of streams running through the trees providing a much-needed tonic for the soul. </p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-priestly-wood-needham-market"><a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/priestley-wood/">Priestly Wood</a>, Needham Market </h4>



<p>Part of The Woodland Trust, Priestly is known for being one of the finest woods in Suffolk for plant life. From mid-April to early June the wood puts on a show-stopping bluebell display. Lucky you, if you live nearby. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-just-over-the-borders">JUST OVER THE BORDERS</h3>



<p>Live near to the Herts, Beds, Essex, Northants or Norfolk border? Here are some stunning spots across the counties for your bluebell fix.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/04/bluebells-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-39430" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/04/bluebells-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/04/bluebells-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/04/bluebells-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/04/bluebells-1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-norfolk-wayland-wood-watton">NORFOLK: Wayland Wood, Watton </h4>



<p>This sprawling South Norfolk wood is allegedly the setting of the dark 16th Century tale&nbsp;<em>Babes in the Wood</em>. While it looks absolutely magical at this time of year, the atmosphere amidst the densely packed trees is definitely a little bit unnerving.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-in-norfolk/nature-reserves/reserves/wayland-wood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wayland Wood</a>&nbsp;is one of the few places you can spot the Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem, a pretty yellow perennial which flowers early in March and might hopefully still be about. So go forth, wannabe botanists!</p>



<p><strong>HERTS:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/panshanger-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panshanger Park</a>, Hertford</strong></p>



<p>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’s loads to explore here including remnants of the old estate, as well as wetland and grassland habitats, but it’s at Lady Hughes Wood that you’ll find the best bluebell displays.</p>



<p><strong>BEDS: <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/the-lodge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lodge</a>, Sandy</strong></p>



<p>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’s a £4 entrance fee which covers parking (free to RSPB members).</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essex-shadwell-wood-nature-reserve-saffron-waldon">ESSEX: <a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/shadwell-wood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shadwell Wood Nature Reserve</a>, Saffron Waldon</h4>



<p>This seven-hectare wood is a little pocket of Essex countryside that I’m almost reluctant to share. Come spring it’s covered in bluebells, plus wood violets and even purple orchids. Essex Wildlife Trust oversees the ancient woodland and there are lots of different tracks to follow, making it a firm favourite.&nbsp;</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northants-short-wood-and-southwick-wood">NORTHANTS: <a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/short-wood-and-southwick-wood">Short Wood and Southwick Wood</a></h4>



<p>Part of Rockingham Forest, this special place has a vast abundance of bluebells awaiting&nbsp;with loads of hidden spots to discover. Short Wood is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest that has managed areas of oak, ash and maple trees and small areas of blackthorn scrub; and sometimes nightingales can be heard. A perfect place for you and your pooch, this scenic route is full of nature and often awash with butterflies at this time of year.</p>


Beautiful local bluebell walks in Suffolk and Cambs

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