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We’re so lucky to have lots of lovely woods around Hemel Hempstead, and right now is the perfect time to go exploring as the bluebells come out!
Before I share locations, here’s some advice from The National Trust about how we can protect these beautiful flowers, so we can enjoy them for years to come.
Top tips:
- Never walk on the bluebells- once the leaves are damaged, they are unable to absorb the sun and photosynthesise, so they die back.
- Explain to children about the importance of protecting, keeping off, and not picking the bluebells.
- Stick to the paths- most bluebell woods are well-cared for and have clear walkways in order to protect the bluebells, so make sure you stick to them.
- Keeps dogs on a lead as they won’t understand the pathways and may run across them.
Where to see bluebells:
Dockey Wood, Ashridge Estate
Perhaps one of the most well-known of the Hertfordshire bluebells woods, this sprawling National Trust estate has become so popular, they have had to start charging a small fee of £3.50 per adult and £1.50 per child, with all fees going directly back in to managing the estate (free for National Trust members). Charges will apply on the weekends of: 18, 19, 20 and 21 April 26 and 27 April 3 and 4 May. Entry is free on all other days. The best place to see the bluebells is Dockey Wood, which has parking for around 50 cars, with more parking at the Visitor Centre on Monument Drive.
Hitch Wood, near Preston/Whitwell
There’s an easy loop to follow and lots to explore including dens, hollow tree stumps and trails. There’s a small car park and on-road parking right by the woods. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a herd of deer, and of course there is a beautiful carpet of bluebells in April and May.
Pryors Wood, Great Ashby, near Stevenage
Pryor’s Wood is a nature reserve within Great Ashby District Park. There’s a car park (located at the end of a residential street called Serpentine Close, so don’t panic that you think you’re going the wrong way), play area, picnic area and large open green space to run around in. The bluebells are in a small wooded area next to the car park with well-maintained pathways weaving through the woodland. Box Wood runs alongside it which also has beautiful bluebells displays.
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Astonbury Woods, near Stevenage
This small woodland has been secured by The Wildlife Trust thanks to donations and is located just off the A602 between The Chequers pub at Bragbury End and The Three Horseshoes at Hooks Cross. Parking is slightly tricky as you can’t really access the woods from the A602- there are a few places you can park at the side of the road on Astonbury Lane.
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Whomerley Wood / Monks Wood, Stevenage
This wood is opposite Stevenage Football Club.
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Mardley Heath, near Knebworth
This is a great trail to walk around and the trees are great for exploring and climbing! Great for dogs and cycling too as it covers 37 hectares, with clear trails.
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Tewin Orchard Nature Reserve and Hopkyns Wood
A beautiful spot to see cherry blossom-covered fruit trees, as well as badger sets and birds- you can see the bluebells and also enjoy a bite to eat at nearby (few mins’ walk!) Tewin Bury Farm Hotel, which has a lovely play area, café and hotel.
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RSPB The Lodge Reserve, Sandy
This has bluebells on some of it trails.
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Heartwood Forest, Sandridge
There’s plenty of parking and well-managed paths- it’s a really lovely place for a walk. It’s part newly-planted forest, part ancient woodland, created by The Woodland Trust with the help of volunteers. The bluebells can be found in a stretch of ancient woodland called Langley Woods.
Gobions Wood near Brookmans Park
There’s a pond, a park, large grassy area and woodlands with a one mile waymarked trail running through it. You can walk from the train station in Brookmans Park in around 20 mins or there’s a car park.
Wherever you choose to see these beautiful displays, please ensure you follow the pathways, and enjoy!
