ONE of the notable highlights of spring has to be when the Bluebells bloom, covering grassy verges and woodland floors in colour.
With lockdown restrictions easing, it is the perfect time to enjoy a tranquil spring walk or picnic with our loved ones.
Popular Hampshire spots such as Micheldever Wood are always winners when it comes to spotting Bluebells but there are many lesser-known areas that are guaranteed to be covered in a carpet of purple this spring.
Here are seven of the best spots for a bluebell walk over the next few weeks.
Eling
The route from Eling Tide Mill along to Marchwood provides visitors the best of both worlds with wild woodland and a stretch of coast known as Goatee Beach.
The historic area, which was once renowned as a smugglers’ haven, is the perfect area for a picnic whilst looking out onto the industrial maritime landscape.
In Downs Park Crescent, by the Toll Bridge, there is a path leading into the woodland where you can spot the excellent display of bluebells.
Micheldever Wood
The woods at Micheldever provide the perfect environment for Bluebells to thrive. The twisty paths through pine and conifers will lead you to a wonderful display of flowers during April and May.
As well as the wild flowers you may be able to spot fallow deer as well as many species of butterflies.
River Hamble Country Park
With 400 acres of woodland, riverside and open space to explore, this country park has something for all the family.
Discover the abundant wildlife from Bluebells to Roe deer in the woods and skylarks in the fields, plus an amazing array of wildflowers, insects and reptiles.
Expect to see bluebells on show in the Dock Copse area, just south of Manor Farm.
The Vyne
Deep in Morgaston Woods, a network of paths weave through the swathes of hazy blue that carpet the woodland floor.
This gentle 1.3 mile trail takes about one hour to complete, with the main crop of bluebells 40 minutes into the walk.
Hinton Ampner
Visitors can explore acres of ancient woodland surrounding Hinton Ampner's quintessentially English landscape.
About 30 minutes' stroll from the gardens brings you into glorious beech avenues. Here you can soak up the scented bluebell phenomenon in peace.
Mottisfont
You will find beautiful displays of bluebells in the woods that form part of Mottisfont’s wider estate. Follow the six mile estate walk or simply visit the start of it - in Spearywell woods.
There are more bluebell sightings to enjoy further along the trail too, in Queensmeadow and Great Copse woods.
Roydon Woods
Just outside of Brockenhurst you can find this 1,000 acre nature reserve owned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
The area is un-grazed ancient woodland which helps to keep the bluebells flourish.
Pondhead Inclosure
Near Lyndhurst you will find this protected inclosure with roaming stock and wild deer. The inclosure is listed by the Forestry Commission as one of the top 10 woodlands to view bluebells in the country.
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