Spring walks at Toys Hill



There's plenty of nature to be found on a walk to Toys Hill this spring, though our bluebells are what we're best known for, popping up around mid-April each year. To help steer you in the right direction we've listed our top bluebell walks for you below. There's plenty to see outside of bluebell season though with countless awe-inspiring views across the Weald of Kent and beyond.
New viewpoints providing a home for wildlife
Over the winter our rangers and volunteers have been busy clearing some of the trees around the woodland. This may sound counterproductive, but it’s the best thing we can do for our wildlife.
The richest habitat for wildlife isn’t solid woodland, but the woodland edges, openings and coppices. The vast majority of woodland critters live within a few metres of any opening.
This spring enjoy the viewpoints that were opened up over winter and keep an eye out for buzzing nature.


Top bluebell photography tips
It’s important to avoid accidently damaging the plants with your camera equipment, your feet or even your canine companion’s paws. Here’s a top tip from volunteer photographer Hugh Mothersole – “By shooting from a low angle it’s easy to create the illusion that a person is sitting or standing amongst the bluebells when they are actually out of harm’s way on a footpath. Look for bends in the paths or junctions if you want flowers in the foreground as well as behind your subject”.
Every damaged bluebell takes 4-6 years to regrow
By sticking to the paths you can help preserve these fragile native flowers for years to come