The bluebell or “Hyacinthoides non-scripta” is a bulbous perennial plant, found in
Atlantic areas from north-western Spain to the British Isles. It is known in
English as the common bluebell or
simply bluebell. In spring, the
Bluebell produces a nodding, one-sided inflorescence of 5–12 tubular,
sweet-scented violet–blue flowers, with strongly recurved tepals, and
3–6 long, linear, basal leaves. The flower is particularly associated
with ancient woodland where it may dominate the understory to produce
carpets of violet–blue flowers in "bluebell woods". It is protected
under UK law and it is said that half
the world’s bluebells flower in the British Isles.
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| Bluebell Walks |
April is a great month for a woodland or river bank walk to view these spectacular
plants - good for both the soul and mind!
We have been scouting to find the best bluebell
walks in the local area for our guests to enjoy and discovered there are many
beautiful “Bluebell” walks in West Sussex close to Chequers.
Whether it is along the River Arun or through our local woods, you can
enjoy the annual spectacle turning our woodlands into a beautiful blue
landscape with trees bursting back into life and the beautiful background music
of bird song once again. Here are a few examples of nearby places to enjoy the scene:
1) The Low Weald nature reserve of Ebernoe Common near Petworth
encompasses ponds, streams and meadows as well as ancient woodland which are
renowned for their beautifully scented bluebells. You can even hear the nightingales singing from April to June whilst
enjoying the spectacular scene of bluebells. We advise you to park next to the
church off Steel's Lane (sat nav gu28 9jy). If you are enjoying a stay at
Chequers ask John or Lissette for maps or go to sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk for a map of paths.
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| Bluebell Walks |
2) Angmering park estate near littlehampton hosts the annual “Raw Energy Persuits”
10km and 10 mile bluebell trail walk and run on 21st April. This is a rare opportunity
to explore the privately owned 11,000 acre Angmering Park Estate. The woods of which
are peppered with picturesque cottages and outbuildings in amongst the stunning
bluebells. This year will be the 9th staging of this spectacular
trail event and sees people returning year after year to get involved. Contact
Rawenergypursuits.co.uk/events for more info and to enter.
We advise our guests to park at The Fox pub in Patching (Sat
Nav: BN13 3UJ).
3) Woods Mill Sussex wildlifetrust near Henfield where you can
enjoy a pleasant walk through the woods
scattered with bluebells and round the lake. I actually spent a wonderful 6 month sabbatical 3 years ago working on Woods Mill Nature Reserve so have a lot of information and stories to tell about this great trust. Just ask me about any questions you have!
Enjoy!
Lissette x
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