Bluebells
The iconic blue flowers are set to peak during late April and early May. Alison Kirkman from the Woodland Trust picks some of the UK's top bluebell woods from VisitWoods.org.uk, but if you'd like to find one near you, www.visitwoods.org.uk has built up the largest and most comprehensive record of bluebell woods across the country. There are more than 800 mapped and searchable so no one need miss out on the expected spectacular displays - anyone can find their nearest bluebell wood in just a few clicks.
North
Hackfall, Ripon, Yorkshire
Admire carpets of bluebells nestling among the historical follies and following the riverbank to the stunning waterfall at Hackfall.
North West
Sea Wood, Cumbria
Make a day of it at Sea Wood by wandering through the semi-natural ancient woodland spotting bluebells and birds returning from their winter migration before emerging on to a the shingle beach of Ulverston Sands for a beachside picnic.
East Midlands
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
With way-marked trails, wheelchair and pushchair friendly paths, and 20 miles of cycle routes, all of the family can enjoy exploring the bluebell display at beautiful Clumber Park.
West Midlands
Trench Wood, Worcestershire
As well as its display of butterflies, this ancient woodland is also a fantastic place to spot the many types of butterfly which flutter to life in spring.
South East
Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
Set on a hillside with spectacular views over the lake, this arboretum is a visual treat no matter what time of year you visit. Spring is particularly beautiful with its bluebells, magnolias and other displays of spring colour.
South West
Long Wood, Somerset
Long Wood is considered to be one of the best woods to visit in Cheddar Gorge thanks to its stunning views and plentiful wildlife spotting opportunities, from buzzards to badgers and plenty in between. Three bluebell trails will guide you through the displays of these pretty flowers.
Scotland
Wood of Cree, Dumfries and Galloway
Explore Southern Scotland’s largest ancient woodland and spot some of the many birds and animals which call this wood home. The bluebell trail has a wheelchair and pushchair accessible path making the Wood of Cree suitable for the whole family.
Wales
Gaer Fawr Wood, Powys
This wood clings to the side of a hill making it a bit of a steep climb occasionally to explore but the beautiful bluebell lined trails as you go and the iron age hill fort at the top make it well worth the effort. Why not pack a picnic for a well earned treat at the summit?
Northern Ireland
Killaloo Wood, Londonderry
Killaloo Wood is considered a national treasure trove with its of network of pathways which lead you through ancient woodland filled with bluebells and allow you to discover rare purple hairstreak butterflies and enjoy the scenery of the beautiful River Faughan Valley.
Go to www.visitwoods.org.uk where you'll find everything from a pattern to knit your very own bluebell and a competition to win a chocolate, bluebell-painted egg, to more than 800 bluebell sites ready and waiting for you to discover them.
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