BLUEBELL WALK PREPARES TO REOPEN FOR ITS 50TH YEAR RAISING CHARITY MONEY

THE iconic Arlington Bluebell Walk, near Hailsham, is preparing to open for its landmark 50th season this month.

Owner John McCutcheon is hoping for record numbers in what is a very special year for him personally, and also for his talented and devoted team. The most visitors in any one year was 23,000 in 2019 — and John is confident this can now be beaten.

He said: “Being our 50th anniversary makes it a very special year indeed on the Arlington Bluebell Walk. We will be open daily for four weeks from April 11 until May 10, and of course supporting local charities is at the heart of what we do.

“There will be 19 charities managing the walks and supporting the refreshments, and they will each receive a substantial donation from the overall proceeds.”

The Arlington Bluebell Walk is very special to John. He works on the land 365 days a year.

His late wife Carolyn also created the most wonderful garden around the Farmhouse which has been renovated since her death and for the first time has been honoured to be a Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden 2023.

John wanted to do something extra special for the 50th anniversary. He said: “We have created a bird feeding station and we will be using a large screen to beam it into the catering area.

“What could be better than having a cup of tea listening to the birds? It will be so lovely. We aim to