Of course you can, but you must always keep your dog on a 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. Three `Dog Poop` bins are situated at the entrance to the Wood, both ponds, also one at Parkwood Farm and the Car Park. We also have a bag dispenser at the entrance to the Bluebell Wood.We understand that some dog faeces may contain the parasite Neospora caninum, which is known to cause abortion in cattle.
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 please.
Sorry the Walks are only open to walkers, and those who have accessibility difficulties, therefore needing to use wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
We are a 3 miles walk from Berwick Station.
Again a 3 mile walk from the bus stop at Wilmington.
Train to Polegate Station and taxis are available, their telephone 01323 484444.
Bus journey to Hailsham and taxis are available, their telephone 01323 844464.
Each day the Duty Charity supplies what is listed on the Food Menu. Seating in both the Bluebell barn and on the Sun Terrace. Highchairs available.
The Blue Walk is the one through the Bluebell Wood that is about 1100 metres or 2/3 mile. It is designed for wheelchairs and easy walking and can take from half to an hour, depending on how long you linger enjoying the views and their scent when they are fully out on a sunny day
John McCutchan MBE started it in 1972, but the idea came from his wife Carolyn! The concept of it being run by charities continues to this day, with over 73 having participated over the years. In 2013 John, Carolyn, their daughter Philippa and husband Michael Vine formed the Bluebell Walk Partnership, this we hope will ensure it continues long into the future!
· We are delighted when children come and visit us, as we hope during their visit they will learn a little about different aspects of nature, which will develop into a love of the countryside
· We have a Children’s Quiz sheet based on walking round the Blue, White, Red & Yellow Walks. The answers can be found on the many notices we have around these Walks. These quiz sheets are available at The Gate House or download here.
· We have a petting corner next door to the Bluebell Barn with Angora goats and their kids, young pigs, baby chicks and mother sheep with their lambs. We take great care to ensure that there are ample warm water hand washing facilities in this area, and we are monitored by Wealden District Council Environmental Health officers, to minimise any risk so parents can be reassured.
· In our free to enter Photographic Competition we have an individual class for children aged under 16 on the date of the opening of this year’s Bluebell Walk, with no restriction on the subject of images seen during their visit, with up to 3 images per entrant. Prize winners receive free entries to the following year’s Bluebell Walk, plus their image is displayed on our website and in the Bluebell Barn. Rules and conditions can be downloaded here.
· A purpose made viewing gallery is at Parkwood Farm, from which you can look down and see a large herd of cows being milked every day, generally between 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Walking there and back is nearly 3 miles!
· Pushchairs can easily be pushed round the Blue Walk in Beatons Wood where one see most of the bluebells as it is lightly gravelled for mobility scooters. The Farm Walks are suitable for pushchairs, but the ground in places can be a little bumpy and muddy when wet. You will not encounter any stiles to climb over as they were all replaced by gates, except the Wild Garlic Walk which has what we call ‘collapsible stiles’, so when pushed down will allow empty pushchairs to be lifted over.
· There are three high chairs available in the Bluebell Barn to use when enjoying your refreshments.
· The picnic tables in a sheltered corner of the Car Park Field are designed to accommodate wheelchairs or pushchairs.
· Baby changing facilities are available in the Accessible Toilet as well as the Ladies toilet.
· The second hand book stall run by Action for Medical Research always try and have a selection of children’s books.
· There is a playgroup run by Cherry Wood Kids on Fridays when the Walks are not open.
There are well maintained toilets at the entrance, opposite the Bluebell Barn including an accessible toilet. At Parkwood Farm there is a mobile toilet. These are marked on the Walks map.
Most bluebells are found in ancient woodland where the rich habitat supports a whole host of species. Ancient woodland includes woods from the 17th century and some may even be remnants of the original wildwood that covered Britain after the last Ice Age.
The bluebell is a protected species in UK law.
Cross-breeding between the English (native) and Spanish species of bluebell means it is possible for some flowers to include traits from both. However you will only find native English bluebells in our wood!
Bluebells contain at least 15 biologically active compounds that may provide them with protection against insects and animals.
Certain extracts – water-soluble alkaloids – are similar to compounds tested for use in combating HIV and cancer.
The bulbs of bluebells are used in folk medicine as a diuretic or styptic, while the sap can be used as an adhesive.
First verse
“The blue bell is the sweetest flower
That waves in summer air;
Its blossoms have the mightiest power
To soothe my spirit’s care. “