There’s nothing quite like the sight of a blue carpet of Bluebells covering our woodland floors in springtime. Over half of the world’s Bluebells grow in the UK and here, in Hertfordshire and Middlesex, we are fortunate to have some magnificent nature reserves where these bell-shaped flowers thrive, providing a showstopper of a wildflower spectacle.

Our Reserves Team have chosen their Top 5 Nature Reserves across the region to behold the beauty of Bluebells but also ask us to respect and protect them for future generations of wildlife and people. Whilst Bluebells may be a relatively common sight at this time of year, the species does face threats from climate change, pollution, loss of woodland habitats, and the invasion of the introduced Spanish Bluebell.  Let's do all we can to enjoy to protect them.

A quick mention for our woodland conservation work...

We are currently part of the Big Give Green Match Fund to raise money to protect irreplaceable ancient woodlands and the wonderful species, like Bluebells, they support.  Any donation to the Big Give between 20 - 27 April will be doubled at no extra cost to you. If you'd like to support our appeal and find out more, visit The Big Give Green Match Fund - thank you. Now onto our Top 5....

Astonbury Wood, near Stevenage

Astonbury Wood is the Trust’s newest nature reserve, a delightful ancient woodland close to Stevenage and a showstopper of a site, when it comes to its sweeping Bluebell carpets. As well as scenes of blue, be on the lookout for the wide variety of wildlife that thrives here – butterflies, mammals, amphibians, woodland birds and fungi abound. Tune in to the wonderful sounds of the woodland too – a choir of songbirds awaits.

Old Park Wood, Harefield

Within a stone’s throw of Harefield Hospital, the sight of Old Park Wood carpeted by Bluebells is one that is sure to make you feel better. Indeed, a century ago, it was used by patients from the hospital to exercise as they recovered from Tuberculosis! Thought to be continuously wooded since Saxon times, Oak, Hazel, Silver Birch, Holly, Cherry, Hornbeam, Sweet Chestnut, Alder and Ash tower over the Bluebells with a canopy becoming greener by the day.

Longspring Wood, Kings Langley

Nestled behind houses in Kings Langley, this well-hidden wood is an oasis for wildlife and a spot where Bluebells bloom out of sight of the masses. A quiet spot of calm, this is a perfect place to take yourself off to if you want a mindful moment in nature and to listen to the songbirds. Look out for the Blackcap – a distinctive greyish warbler with, you’ve guessed it, a black cap!

Stocking Springs Wood, near Wheathampstead

Situated near Wheathampstead, Stocking Springs Wood is a scene straight out of a fairy tale. As well as being magnificently awash with Bluebells, look out for Wild Daffodils at this time of year too. The gnarly and twisted trees provide clues to the ancient history of this woodland and create dense areas of shade whilst regularly coppiced trees let the light in and encourage the growth of ground flora such as, Wood Anemones, Wood Violets, Yellow Archangel and Bluebells too, of course!

Gobions Wood, near Potters Bar

Gobions Wood has an interesting history, both natural and man-made. Much of the woodland is ancient and it also includes remnants of landscaped 18^th Century ‘pleasure gardens’. Locally renowned for its fantastic display of Bluebells, Wood Anemone and Wood Sorrel also thrive here.  The site is also a dream for those with a passion for fungi – with two new species for the UK having been found here and over 100 which are rare or scarce in Hertfordshire.

Preserving Bluebells on our Nature Reserves

It’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying the Bluebells on our nature reserves at this time of year, but please do so responsibly. In spring and through to the end of summer there’s a lot of activity in nature and many species are breeding, plus ground flora is easily damaged by people and dogs trampling. We can all help to lessen the impact on nature and preserve it for everyone to enjoy by simply sticking to marked paths, keeping dogs on leads and clearing up as we go. Together, we can continue to ensure that the beauty of Bluebells can be enjoyed for years to come.