Bluebells at Dudmaston

During late spring, Dudmaston's woodland is transformed into a blanket of blue. Read on to discover more about our native British bluebells and the best places to spot them on the estate.

A walk in a bluebell wood in springtime is one of nature's most extraordinary sights. From mid April to late May, areas of woodland on the Dudmaston estate are swathed in blankets of blue.

Where to see them

For the best displays, follow Captain Geoffrey's Estate walk, starting from Hampton Loade car park. Pass through the Long Covert. This stretch of woodland is south facing and the warmth from the sun releases the bluebells delicate fragance. Arrive at Belle Vue, an area of the dingle which is especially deserving of its name during bluebell time.   

Protecting our native wildflowers

Overgrown woodland threatens the existence of our native wildflowers. Over the winter, the ranger team have been working to clear the understory in the woodland. Removing bramble and scub improves visibility and encourages the bluebell to flower and thrive.

Bluebells and wildlife

Bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other insects feed on the nectar of bluebell. Their flowers provide an important early source of nectar. Bees can 'steal' the nectar from bluebells flowers by biting a hole in the bottom of the flower bell, reaching the nectar without pollinating the flower.