Essex Explorer Magazine - Spring 2021

Page 40

Bluebell bliss Best country park Bluebell walks In the months of April and May Bluebells bloom and huge swathes of woodland come alive with carpets of beautiful blue flowers. We’ve pulled together the best spots to enjoy these vibrant splashes of colour in the Essex Country Parks, from Brentwood and Belhus to Danbury.

Belhus Woods Country Park, Aveley The best place to see Bluebells is near the Visitor Centre. Take the main route from the centre towards the kid’s play area and then explore further into Running Water Wood or Whitehall Wood by taking the paths on either side. Running Water Wood South is also excellent for violets and other flowers, so definitely worth a visit.

Danbury Country Thorndon Park, Chelmsford Country Park, Brentwood Head to Danbury Lakes car park and take the path down towards the icehouse, meander through the woodland paths and head back up towards the fishing lake for the best Bluebells at Danbury Country Park.

www.explore-essex. com/places-to-go/findwhats-near-me/danburycountry-park

www.explore-essex.com/ places-to-go/find-whatsnear-me/belhus-woodscountry-park

For a decent ramble, park at Thorndon North and walk along the bridleway through the forest to Childerditch Wood – the best spot for Bluebells at Thorndon – loop back through the Forest or head to Childerditch pond and back up for a longer circuit. www.explore-essex. com/places-to-go/findwhats-near-me/thorndoncountry-park

Weald Country Park, Brentwood Park at Belvedere (just before the Visitor Centre turning) and head up the hill (with St. Peter’s church on one side) to the historic Belvedere mound and revel in the stunning carpet of Bluebells at Weald. www.explore-essex. com/places-to-go/ find-whats-near-me/ weald-country-park

If you do visit... Please help the Essex Country Park staff protect the parks for the benefit of all by sticking to the paths and taking care not to trample the Bluebells. Do share your photos with us @exploressex #bluebells 40

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