Best for Spring
Spring is a time of new beginnings: snowdrops rise from bare earth, then crocuses carpet the ground, daffodils burst into bloom, and bluebells turn ancient woodlands into a shimmering sea of colour and scent. From April, rare oxlips and wood anemones can be found on forest floors, and the aroma of wild garlic is everywhere. This is the season to see rare snake’s head fritillaries transform Suffolk’s meadows, while native orchids emerge as the weather warms. As May takes hold, the first oak leaves unfurl and forests turn verdant. Hawthorn, hedgerows and orchards bloom in the lengthening days. This is a fantastic time for walking ancient paths and tiny lanes. Pack a backpack, take a bivvy bag and make like a pilgrim for a few days; in these months before summer you’ll have wild England all to yourself.
Hydon’s Ball and Heath (Surrey Hills 23) Bluebells, Kings Wood (Kent Downs 10) Guestling Wood bluebells (Romney Marsh 19) Fox Fritillary Meadow (Inland Suffolk 17) Bull’s Wood oxlips (Inland Suffolk 13) Blakes Wood bluebells (Essex Coast & Creeks 21) London Wetland Centre snake’s-head fritillaries (London 21) Glover’s Wood bluebells, Charlwood (Surrey Hills 20) Wolstonbury Hill (Mid Sussex Downs 17) Sisland Carr bluebells (North Norfolk 24)
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