4 April - 8 May 2025
Also visit our Wildflower Meadow
and Garden.
See batesgreengarden.co.uk
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Update: Tuesday 22 April
There is the beginning of a blue sheen from the emerging bluebells in the sunny top half of Beatons Wood, emphasizied by the remaining white wood anemones. We need warm night to encouage the latter half of the Wood that faces north, as still the anemones predominate.
The next update will be Friday 25 April.
Every spring, Beatons Wood, our ancient oakwood, appears as:
1. A fresh green carpet of emerging bluebell leaves
2. A white display of wood anemones
3. A unique view of green, white and blue as the English bluebells emerge
4. Followed by the many vistas of blue when the bluebells are fully out
5. The wood darkens as the leaves on the trees unfurl and bluebells fade leaving calm and tranquility
The timing of this sequence is dictated by the soil temperature, not by us! Every Tuesday and Friday when the Walk is open we post an update about the bluebells on this page - see the blue box.
2025 season update: the new state of the art circular milking parlour will unfortunately not be completed in time to view at this year’s Bluebell Walk. Read more...
The Bluebell Walk
Since 1972 the Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail based at Bates Green Farm has developed into seven interesting walks over three working farms.
A circular walk of 1100 metres or 2/3 a mile in Beatons Wood has been made suitable for wheelchair users. This is where you see white anemones followed by the vistas of bluebells, established over centuries. On this walk there are seats for you to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this oak and hornbeam ancient wood. Along the walks there are signs illustrating the flora and fauna of the countryside for your information.
There are well signed circular Farm Walks of varying length over our neighbours’ farms. The Lagoon Walk around 1 mile, the River Walk over a mile, the Parkwood Farm Walk (but unfortunately the new circular milking parlour is still under construction and cannot be viewed), the Primrose Farm Walk of under a mile and the Wild Garlic Walk which is not circular.
At Primrose Farm there is a horse livery.
Most asked
FAQs
Unless you are a group of 16 or more then there is no need to book. Just turn up.
For group bookings please complete the groups form.
Of course you can, but you must always keep your dog on a short lead please. This is necessary to stop dogs running through the bluebells and disturbing the wildlife and frightening the farm livestock on the other walks.
`Dog Poop` bins are situated at the entrance to the Wood, both ponds, Parkwood Farm, car park pedestrian exit, and close to the main toilets. There is a bag dispenser at the entrance to the Wood.
We understand that some dog faeces may contain the parasite Neospora caninum, which is known to cause abortion in cattle, so please take care.
We have picnic facilities in the shady corner of the large car park field. We ask that you do not picnic in the Bluebell Wood or on the Farm Trails.
Sorry, the Walks are only open to walkers, and those who have accessibility difficulties and need to use wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Child’s buggies are allowed.
Unfortunately not, as often we have many visitors who may be using mobility scooters which with push chairs are the only wheeled items allowed.