Continuing to protect Dockey Wood
Three years ago, we started charging for entrance to this part of the estate at peak times during the bluebell season. The money raised goes towards the cost of protecting these beloved flowers and helps us to spread visitors more evenly.
This year we’ll be charging on Sat 27 and Sun 28 Apr and Sat 4, Sun 5 and Mon 6 May. It’ll cost £3 per adult and £1 per child but National Trust members will be free. The charge will only apply between 10 am and 4 pm – the wood will be free to enter at all other times.
To help you to get the most out of your visit, we’ll have rangers and volunteers available at peak times to talk to you about our work and how we take care of this special place. They are brimming with knowledge about wildflowers and this piece of ancient woodland, so feel free to ask them any questions you have.
There are also a number of routes across the wider estate, including the Old Copse Walk, which host vast displays of blue flowers. A bluebell walks guide is available from the visitor centre for £1 and highlights a number of family-friendly routes away from the crowds at Dockey Wood.
How you can play a part in looking after bluebells
To most of us, a sea of bluebells is an irresistible sight in spring. It’s tempting to step into the sea of blue for a photo opportunity; however, you can get just as good a shot by keeping your feet on the footpath.
Bluebells have soft, succulent leaves that are particularly sensitive to being trodden on. Once the leaves are damaged, they’re unable to absorb the sun and the plants cannot photosynthesise and die back. By staying on the paths, you’ll help us to maintain the dense carpet of flowers for years to come.
As tempting as it may be, picking bluebells is against the law. If you want to take a bluebell souvenir home with you, please visit our shop instead. It stocks a wide variety of products including bluebell scented candles, porcelain, mugs, cards and magnets.
